Dueling Kingdoms - Part 6

Here are the previous chapters if you haven't checked them out!

While Kris subtly held her lower abdomen, the earth-shattering reality of everything became unbearable and her world began to swirl. “Roy..” a mere whimper escaped as Kris’ vision began to blur. “Woah! Kris! Easy there, you're alright. I got you." With concern on Roy's face he gently guided Kris towards the ground in an empty meadow. As Kris came through the fainting spell, she erratically pushed back screaming “Don’t touch me!” As she brought her knees to her chest. Scared he might feel the subtle changes happening in her body, she couldn’t risk him finding out, not yet anyway. “I…forgive me Kris, I merely wanted to make sure you’re alright.” “I’m fine, I just stepped wrong.” Although Roy was skeptical, he dropped the subject, and asked Kris to expand on her thoughts of her royalty. “You said earlier you believed you were, or are, royalty? Enlighten me Kris, why do you believe this?” “Surely you must know?” Roy laughed in bewilderment, “I can attest to it that I haven’t the slightest idea.” Roy’s eyes glistened with curiosity and had depth to them as if he wanted me to share my thoughts openly. Yet, here I am hiding my abdomen and being hypervigilant about everything. Clearly I wasn’t off to a good start. “Kris?” Roy called my name as if pulling me from troubled waters, “Oh right, my apologies. I discovered this tale of two kingdoms, one between your parents prior to their divide, and Kingdom Haus, who now reside on the far side of the mountain. Does this tale sound familiar?” “I’d be lying if I said no.” Dropping his eyes, Roy broke eye contact, taking in a shaky breath and rubbing his knee as if a secret had just been exposed. “So you knew?!” Kris rose to her feet, anger sputtering through her body, trying to breathe steadily to avoid another fainting spell. “Kris, please…” “After all this time?! I trusted you! I’ve freely put my life on the line for you and the Queen! And for what? To be your puppet?” Kris felt betrayed by Roy, perhaps Prince Coy spoke plainly, albeit deceitful in his tactics, but at least he spoke plainly! Coy tried to show me the truth about my true identity. I was just too stubborn and blind to notice! I could only see him through my bias as a vile monster, oh what a fool I am! “Kris, I can explain.” “Now you want to explain Roy?! No! You don’t get to just talk your way out of this!” Before Roy could respond, Kris quickly spun on her heels and ran into the depths of the forest to be alone in her thoughts. Most of all she needed a safe hiding place as she knew Roy would surely look for her.

Kris was quite faster than Roy, she knew she had a moment to breathe as she slowed to a walk, clutching her stomach as if reassuring the growing child she would protect them without a second thought. While Kris continued onwards, she noticed a faint glowing lantern in the nearby distance. It appeared to be a cottage, and although she didn’t like the idea of walking up to a random home and asking for help, what other choice did she have? Kris swiftly approached the cottage, opening the wooden gate and latching it shut behind her as she tip-toed along the stepping stones to the front door. Kris swallowed a nervous knot in her throat and knocked only once as the door creaked open revealing what appeared to be an empty home. Kris cautiously walked inside, shutting the door behind her. The interior was well lit by multiple candle lights and a hanging chandelier. “Hello?” Kris called out, and the only response was the quiet crackling from the wicks of the candles. “At least it’s quiet. I must rest, I can’t bare to lose this child out of my recklessness.” While sitting in an empty chair before the fireplace, Kris had drifted to sleep. She wasn’t sure how many hours had passed, but Kris awoke to the sound of Roy’s voice nearby, “Kris! Kris please! Kris, it’s unsafe in these parts, please allow me to take you back to the castle! Kris!” It tore me apart to hear the desperation in Roy’s voice, but he spent his whole life lying to me about who I am, and who I was to be. How could I forgive him? Could I forgive him? Kris walked over to the front window, and peered outside, the sun was beginning to rest below the horizon. If she didn’t leave soon, she would fear running into the Renegades, it was now, or camp out ‘til morning. Kris slowly opened the door of the cottage and quietly left the home, hoping the owners weren’t nearby. Once on the path leading back towards the castle, Kris walked as if hugging herself while the sunlight quickly faded below the horizon.

It was very dark, the path lit in patches by the moonlight. Kris realized she was approaching the river she used to sit at with Roy. Although Kris knew she should pursue on to the castle, she paused to look at the reflection of the water. As she knelt at the water's edge, Kris swirled her finger in the mystic reflection of the starry sky, causing ripples to distort the mirror-like surface. “What am I to do?” Kris whispered to herself, “Ahem…” Startled, Kris nearly fell into the river, as she was startled by an unexpected spectator. “Nathaniel?” Kris asked as she narrowed her eyes to identify the familiar shadow. “It is I, Kris.” “Nathaniel, you needn’t be here, I can take care of myself.” “Really? Prince Roy returned in a flurry saying how you nearly fainted, spoke in madness, and then ran off like a scared rabbit. Does that sound familiar?” Nathaniel challenged. “That’s not true!” “Kris…I don’t know how to say this, but you haven’t been yourself since your return.” “I’m quite fine.” “I don’t believe that.” “What then?! What do you want me to say?! How I found out I was royalty? How I’ve been lied to my entire life, treated like a tool for the Queen’s gain?! Or how about having to live with training our enemies?! Forgive me, if I haven’t returned thinking everything is hunky-dory!” Kris was releasing the pent up emotions she kept hidden for the past two months, “Kris…forgive me. I didn’t mean to offend…” Kris remained silent, wiping the tears from her cheeks swiftly, “Leave me in my thoughts Nathaniel, I wish to be alone.” “That I cannot do, I have strict orders by the Queen to return you to the castle at once.” “And who would know if you found me?” Nathaniel paused, as if understanding the amount of pain Kris was enduring, “I…” Before Nathaniel or Kris could say another word, an arrow whizzed between them splashing in the river. “Renegades…” Nathaniel muttered, “She’s coming with us!” A group of renegades surrounded Nathaniel, and before I could react, rope squeezed around both my arms, pinning them to my body. “Nathaniel!” Kris screamed out, unfortunately, the scream distracted Nathaniel for a brief moment, allowing a renegade to strike his side. Nathaniel had no choice but to force his attention on the ambushed assault, unable to assist Kris. “Night night!” An unkempt, wild-eyed renegade with a burly beard and a stench like death snickered in front of my face. While a quick prick in the neck caused my eyes to grow heavy, I slept relentlessly following me as I slumped over the renegades’ shoulder.

Kris blinked her eyes a few times, trying to shudder the slumber some effects from her foggy mind. “Easy my love.” Was that? No, it couldn’t be? Prince Coy? Between blurry blinks, Kris finally was able to see the figure sitting on the edge of her bed, and confirmed what she feared. “How?” Unable to say more as a headache hammered relentlessly, “Rest Kris. You have more than yourself to worry about now, hmm?” Coy stated as his hand caressed my lower abdomen. “You! How could you?!” Kris spat, “I see rest is not an option.” “You did this! You soiled my body, and ruined everything!” “Ruined?!” Prince Coy has never once showed any true anger until now, his grip around my wrist as if unbreakable as he pinned my arms above my head. “You think I ruined you?! I can show you what ruin looks like!” Coy’s eyes were dark, and for a brief moment, Kris remained silent and scared. While we stared intensely at one another, Coy began to release my arms, as he sat back on the edge of the bed. “Forgive me, it’s just…I thought if I…” “You thought if you burdened me with child, I’d somehow come crawling to you?!” “Well, yes. I see now how complicated I’ve made everything. Forgive me.” “How can I forgive you?!” Kris muttered, yanking the covers to her chest and turning her back to Coy. “You’re right, I don’t deserve forgiveness, but I deserve to father my child.” “your child?!” “Well, ours, you’re right.” “Ours?!” “Kris, surely you aren’t raising that child on your own. You’d smear your name, and most of all, you’d smear your kingdom’s reputation. Not to mention how you’d be banished by none other than Roy himself.” “You’re vile!” “I’m strategic, albeit I wished it didn’t come to this, but we must marry Kris! We are destined, this child, our child, secures our tithes to one another. You no longer have a choice.” “Prove it!” Kris was tired of the games, she wanted to know the truth, the truth of her identity, the arrangement of their marriage for peace, and Coy’s intentions. “Prove what exactly?” “Everything…” Kris said in a shaky breath, “I grow tired of these tales and this feud.” “Very well, I’ll send a maiden to your quarters first thing tomorrow morning. You’ll get your truth, and maybe then, you’ll see I’ve only ever begged for your attention.” Coy spoke in such a dry tone.

____

Nathaniel limped from the forest, suffering minor scrapes and bruises as the renegades retreated once they snatched Kris and took her towards King Murphin’s Kingdom. The other knights saw his state, and assisted him inside, “Nathaniel!” Roy’s voice boomed with authority and echoed off the marble walls! “Well?! Where is she?” Nathaniel, too exhausted to speak simply looked to the young prince, “I’m sorry sire, there was no trace of her.” “What on earth happened to you?” As if Roy suddenly realized how battered Nathaniel was, “Was it King Murphin’s men?” Nathaniel shook his head no, “Renegades…” Nathaniel winced as he said the words, the bruises punching him as if he was hit all over again. “Take him to the maids, have them tend to his wounds.” “Sire, where are you going?” “To get my future wife!” Roy boldly stated, rushing to his chambers to don his armor and sent word to have his horse ready. “And just where do you think you’re going at this hour?” The Queen was in Roy’s chambers, challenging him on his actions, she was still highly displeased with his sudden jousting challenge between him and Coy, even if it resulted in victory. “Mother…” “Guards!” She snapped, overruling Roy. The knights rushed in, “You’re kidding!” Roy stammered, in disbelief his own mother would stoop to this level. “I forbid you to leave this castle.” The Queen declared, her authority showing as she rose from the jeweled seat in the corner of his room. “In fact you will not leave this chamber.” “Mother!” “Hush!” Roy, bewildered by his mother’s sudden treatment. “If only you could see past this foolery.” “Kris is not foolery!” Roy’s voice boomed, he no longer cared if rumors spread of his feelings for Kris. The Queen, stalked towards her son, “You’re betrothed to Lady Helena my boy, you need to let go of what you want and take on the responsibility to our kingdom! It’s time to grow up.” Roy was speechless, how could his mother betray him like this? As the Queen approached Roy’s bedroom doors, he knew there was only one way to persuade his mother to let him leave, “She knows….” Roy pitched just before the Queen reached for the handles. His mother slowly turned, a grave expression on her face and a deep concern in her eyes, “She’s figured it out…” Roy breathed heavily as he confirmed his mother’s fears, there was only one way they would take over the entire land, to overrule his father and brother, and that was to break the treaty with Kingdom Haus.

____

Morning quickly came, and the maidens rushed into Kris’ chambers, pushing her towards the bath where they soaked her in water and tousled her hair. Once dried, the maidens pulled a partition and assisted Kris into an exotic, beautiful and ordained dress, fit for a princess, or even a queen she thought. “Madame, you’re ready. The Prince will be here shortly to escort you.” The maidens quickly bowed respectfully and scurried out of the room, leaving me in front of a floor to ceiling mirror, where I hardly recognized myself. “I look…” “Stunning…” Quickly spinning on my heels, I was met by Prince Coy who entered without me noticing into the room. Unable to hide my flushed cheeks, I broke eye contact, “I feel out of place…” “Nonsense love, you look as I have always seen you, a princess.” Prince Coy, was in a formal blue uniform, tasseled and glistening with medals. Each silver button perfectly shined and fastened, the type of uniform you only see when courting. Coy’s locks were combed back, as if glued into place. His muscles hugged at every seam, surely designed to have any woman swoon. Coy bowed, reaching for my hand, “Why all the decadence?” “My love, you are decadent, and you deserve to finally be treated the way you always should’ve been. Please allow me to show you.” He looked upwards, his eyes soft. His expression and the pleading in his gaze was hard to turn down. Besides, I needed to know the truth, to see the proof. I extended my hand to his, to which he gently placed a warm kiss that tickled my skin, with a spark that danced and skipped into my chest. Why do I feel this way? Why do I feel like I do with Roy, yet different? It was more intense with Coy, as if he challenged me in a way. Is it because they’re twins?! Or do I actually feel something, something that brought me a spark of curiosity, dangerous curiosity.

We walked the halls, arms linked as the knights stood at attention and hailing us as we passed. “We’re nearly there Kris, the truth is just up ahead.” He was staring at a grand double doorway, with a knight on either side, and as if perfectly queued, opened the door to the grand ballroom, where the King and Coy’s thrones were, only now there was another. “You will sit beside me, love, where you belong. Where you’ve always belonged.” Coy was searching my eyes, as if he was still pleading for me to trust him. But was this just another ploy? “All hail the king!” A knight shouted as King Murphin entered the room, a beaming smile spread wide across his face. “Ah, Princess Krisanthanese!” “Father! I told you, it’s Kris.” “Ah, yes, my apologies.” The king bowed to show he was sincere, before anyone could say anything, King Murphin took Kris’ hand in his, “I hope you can forgive me about the whole training incident awhile back, but could you blame me? You’re skilled!” King Murphin smirked and assumed forgiveness as he took his seat. Coy, a perfect gentleman, held my hand while he stood admiring, and a show of authority and protection, as I sat on my designated throne. Something you only see a royal do when they truly care for their betrothed. With a quick and gentle kiss atop my hand, he took his seat on his throne. Once we were all seated, the King lifted his arms and gave two loud claps. A Steward took several steps into the center of the ballroom as a scroll unraveled from his hands.

“Behold! For the document brought forth foretells of a destined arrangement between your royal majesty, King Murphin and Queen Grundel and King and Queen Haus of the far east. May this serve as a royal contract for peace and fair trade between our families. On behalf of Kingdom Haus, we give you our daughter, who once of age, is to be arranged to the first born son and heir of King Murphin and Queen Grundel. We eagerly await the invitation of this day, and may it serve as our mutual friendship between us.

I warn, should this arrangement not be upheld, all trade outposts will cease, and any peace treaties or mutual agreements will be void. Additionally, Princess Krisanthanes will become Queen and rule your kingdom as an extension of Kingdom Haus’ territory.

Your Royal Majesties,

King Edward Haus and Queen Monique Haus.”

The steward recovered the scroll, resealed it with hot wax and embossed King Murphin’s family crest onto it as the ribbon was also tied around the document.

I was in utter disbelief, my jaw slightly dropped and my heart nearly stooping at times as the steward retreated to a hallway with the document. “My love, you’ve heard with your own ears, but let me continue to show you the truth as you have asked.” Glancing towards Coy, I could see his soft expression, the tears he held back as he attempted to be as stoic as possible. Without breaking eye contact with me, Coy lifted his hand and with a crisp snap, a maiden approached with piles of letters from Kingdom Haus, some solely from the king and others from the queen. The maiden chose a specific envelope, slightly larger than the rest and presented it before me and Coy. “Behold milord, milady, the letters sent from Kingdom Haus as requested.” Coy motioned his hand, for the first time today, his hand slipped away from mine, the sudden comfort I didn’t know it gave faded quickly. Retrieving the presented envelope, I gasped as I pulled out its contents. My heart raced as I came across a small portrait, one I recognized. The small portrait captured a father, mother, and young infant girl with defined features and depicted as a happy family. The very portrait I was once told were my peasant parents! And yet, how could I overlook the clearly indicated seal and family crest, something only royal families had in their portraits. Coy was telling the truth, I owe him an apology for assuming he was purely a vile man, although given his poor actions, who would blame me? “Kris, my love.” Coy’s voice broke my stare, “yes…my love.” The words slipped out just above a whisper, without a thought and at a level only Coy could hear. His eyes brightened as if pure joy took over him. The change was instant, and even the King took notice, “Welcome to your kingdom, Princess Kris!” King Murphin’s voice boomed with joy in seeing his son happy for the first time since the kingdom split. Coy rose from his throne, motioning for my hand, which I gave, “Let’s speak, privately, my love.” “Yes, we have much to discuss.” The King blessed our departure from the ballroom, and before I knew it, we were in the gardens, the roses blooming and filling the air with their sweetened scent. “So, you’ll at least try us?” Coy asked, the infectious smile and glistening hope dancing in his eyes were dazzling, and it was hard to deny, I would be living luxuriously, royally. Was I willing to sacrifice my previous life for this? It has been written, and in order to save both kingdoms, I must marry Coy, to not marry him, everyone loses…“I’m grateful for the truth Coy, I just…” “Need time?” Coy asked, “It’s just that this whole situation is a whirlwind, and to be fair I barely know you.” “We have a lifetime to know one another.” “I suppose you’re right, but still…this is hardly ordinary.” “Kris…” Coy shifted me to face him squarely, his hand brushing a lock of hair behind my ear, as he began to lean inwards, my chin involuntarily lifting towards him, as if my body ached for his lips, to taste that deeply passionate and suave kiss like the day in the forest. Yet she was also heavy with guilt as if she was betraying everyone, Roy, Nathaniel, the Queen, and herself. But she had more than just herself to think about now, she had a child who needed a father. Confused, Kris kept thinking how there was just something about Coy, as if they were like magnets, attracting her to him, something she didn’t experience with Roy. As if Coy knew my thoughts were clouding my mind, he brushed his lips against mine, deepening the kiss with each breath in between. After a fevered exchange, Coy leaned his forehead against mine, and took a knee before me. “Coy…” “Kris, please let me speak.” Coy swallowed hard, and looked at me with the most sincerest expression, blinking back tears. “Kris, I have not been half the man I should’ve been. Ever since I lost my brother in our family divide, I never was the same. I grew to resent him and my mother. This generational feud has shown me how my brother and I are now the creatures that haunted us in youth, the same creatures we would pray that God would banish. Part of my resentment towards Roy is my jealousy. It was frustrating how you and Roy were always so close and how he warped your mind about me. How I couldn’t gain favor in your eyes for all these years. I admit, I have done horrible things out of spite, anger, and selfishness. And to be frank, I don’t expect a simple forgiveness. Actually, I expect quite the opposite, especially for the pain I have caused you. It’s inexcusable, and I don’t know if you’ll ever forgive me. However, I want to admit my transgressions before you, and pledge my heart, my soul to you. I have been recklessly in love with you, and I never knew what love was…” “Coy…” Kris fought tears, she had never experienced anyone be so vulnerable and honest, so raw. “Please, let me get this off my chest love.” Unable to interrupt him further I nodded, tears swelling my eyes, “It wasn’t until I saw you in the forest, that day you thought I was Roy…although, I admit I regret nothing about kissing you and letting you believe that, so long as it caught your attention. Selfish, yes. But that moment, you showed me a glimmer of what love looked like, how you showed up at the jousting arena, albeit for Roy, but the fact you pushed through the pain in your shoulder to physically be there, that was admirable. I dare not expect your forgiveness Princess Kris, but I do hope that you will continue to give me the chance to change. The chance to be yours, and to be the best role model and father to our child. You needn’t answer now, I’ll grant you all the time you require.” With a heavy sigh of relief, I could see how candid and genuine Coy was, he truly wanted to start fresh, and now that I knew my true identity, perhaps I had everything backwards? Perhaps I was bound to more than a glorified life of war as a knight, perhaps I was meant to rule. “Prince Coy,” As Kris said his name, he rose back to his feet, his forehead leaning against hers again, “I dare not choose in haste, however, I can choose to do this…” And Kris kissed Coy with a depth more than words could ever reach. Both gasping for air, Coy and I shared a slight giggle, and continued to exchange brushed kisses as we sat on a bench in the rose garden. It was clear to Kris that she and Coy shared an emotional and physical connection! Something Kris could no longer ignore. I owe it to my child, our child, to give this a chance...

Author's Note:

Please stay tuned for Rowan Finley on Part 7!