Chapter 1
In a land and time much different than our own, their lives a young maiden whose life is about to change, forever, but first, let’s start from the beginning...
It is 1665, in the country of Banford; which is ruled by King William Redding. In the province of Bainbridge, sits his throne, sits his home, Bainbridge Palace. The Redding’s have called Bainbridge Palace home for the last two centuries, it is a massive beauty, with all its chateau like qualities, an envy of many nations.
The year is 1665, it is a cool October day, but the palace is bustling with warmth. Today is the day that King William’s first child is to be born; this child will continue the Redding bloodline and take the throne when the King retires. Naturally, all of the King’s court was anxious to meet the newest member of the royal family, but no one was as anxious as the King, himself.
King William, a handsome man, with dark hair and sparkling blue eyes; paced back and forth in a large, dark mahogany wood walled sitting room. Sounds of pain and exhaustion could be heard ringing out from behind the double ornate doors, each time the sound rang, the King’s heart would constrict.
Over the sounds of pain, a calm female voice spoke. “Your majesty.” It said. “Please relax, she is in good hands.” The voice continued.
The King turned to the source of the voice, which belonged to a gray-haired woman of high nobility; seeing her serene face, calmed the King.
“You’re right, Genevieve, if you, her own mother can be so calm, then I guess I should relax as well.” He said, a warm smile cracking over his distressed face.
No sooner did he smile, did a bloodcurdling scream ring throughout the room, instantly his smile dissipated and he rushed towards the double doors. The doors opened, just as the King reach them and a portly, middle-aged mid-wife came out; she looked exhausted and was covered in blood. Her appearance, pained the King.
“My family?” The King questioned, his heart beating rapidly, he could feel tears coming to his eyes.
The mid-wife exhaled deeply, gazing at the King earnestly. “Your majesty.” She began. “You have a daughter.” She said with a half-hearted smile, which the King recognized immediately.
“Then why do I sense a solemnness about you?” The King asked suspiciously.
The mid-wife stared at the floor, with a look of guilt about her face. “It is the Queen, your majesty.” She said, her head still hanging in sorrow, but giving him a polite curtsy.
Again, the King’s heart began beating rapidly, he felt nauseated by her words and he barged into the Queen’s private bedchamber.
The room was extremely posh with a Victorian flair, everything in the room was a rich burgundy color that went well with the dark mahogany wood. A young wet nurse was placing a baby into a bassinet, the King glanced at his daughter, but his focus was on his wife, laying in a large four poster bed in the center of the room. Despite all the Queen had just endured, she still looked as beautiful as ever.
The King stared at her nervously, he didn’t know what to think. He knelt next to her and grabbed her small, clammy hand. “Bella.” He said softly, he felt as though his heart was being ripped.
Queen Isabella stared up at her husband, her bright, emerald eyes, trying hard to muster up some strength to speak. “Tired.” She said winded.
“Of course, you just need to get some rest, I’m sure you feel much better after that.” He said.
The mid-wife who had followed him in, grimaced at his words; noticing her expression, the King turned to her crossly. “She will, won’t she?!” He asked and the mid-wife sighed.
“Your majesty, we must speak in private.” She said, barely looking the King in the eye; her words infuriated him.
Reluctantly, he released his grasp on Isabella’s hand and followed the mid-wife out to the corridor, not before glancing back once more at his pale wife.
“What is wrong with her?” The King asked in a harsh whisper, his heart was cringing in agony.
“She lost a lot of blood, the child was breached inside, but thankfully we got her out and the Princess is healthy.” She explained, the King stared at the mid-wife bewildered, he didn’t understand, if they got the child out, and his wife was still breathing that everything was going to be fine.
“Then everything is okay, right?” He said, assuming that the paleness the Queen was experiencing was due to the loss of blood.
Again, the mid-wife sighed. “No, she lost too much blood and her inside have been torn from the baby, she will never heal properly.” She said and the King scowled
“I don’t understand?” He said.
“She is still bleeding and I can’t get it to stop, every moment she is bleeding out.” She explained and the King felt faint, he held back the urge to cry.
“There has to be something you can do!” He exclaimed and the mid-wife stared at him understandingly.
“We will try, but I think we may need someone with special abilities.” She said and the King frowned.“Special abilities?” He asked and the mid-wife nodded.
“Yes, in the province of Elwen, there is an apothecary and the young gifted alchemist’s new bride is a white witch with extraordinary healing powers.” She replied.
The King rubbed his chin as if he was open to the idea, but then he shook his head. “No!” He exclaimed. “Do you know what the aristocrat would think if I brought a witch to the palace!?” He said repulsed.
The mid-wife, feeling dumb, stared at the floor. “Of course, your majesty, I should have never brought that up.” She replied quickly.
The King nodded. “You will fix her and I will pray to God to save her.” He said certainly and stormed off, leaving the mid-wife shaking her head.
“She is going to need much prayer.” She said softly watching the King storming away.
For the next two days the kingdom prayed for their Queen; the King and Princess Anne never left her side. On the third day, sadly, the Queen took a turn for the worse and the King was beyond distraught.
The King was sitting in the Queen’s bedchamber, she was asleep, but only because the doctor had given her an elixir that put her to sleep. He stared at his wife, and thought about how he didn’t want to lose her. He remembered how when the first love of his life disappeared, she was there for him and she loved him unconditionally, despite her being his second choice.
Still deep in thought, the King glanced over to the royal guard standing by the door. “Fetch me the Elwen witch.” He said with desperation in his eye and the guard nodded.
The Elwen Witch arrived quickly, Elwen was just west of Bainbridge, nothing more than a half days ride. When the Elwen Witch entered the Queen’s sitting room, the King was stunned, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The stunning, young, hazel-green eyed, blonde hair woman standing before him, was the same woman he thought disappeared on him no more than three years ago.
“Aurora?” He questioned and the witch sighed shaking her head.
“I’m sorry your majesty, but my name is Aria.” She explained looking at the floor, she hated that she had lied to the King.
“You lied to me?!” He said exasperated and the witch sighed as they bickered the royal captain of the guard was bewildered.
“I only lied to protect you, I loved you and I knew if you knew the truth....” She began but paused, she glanced at the double doors to the Queen’s chamber. “I’m sorry, I have come here not to reminisce about what I did to you in the past, but to save your wife, our Queen.” She explained and the King sighed, nodding as he motioned to the doors.
Aria opened the doors and the Queen was lying asleep in her bed. The King followed and his heart sank as he glanced at his wife. He couldn’t believe the two woman he loved were both in the same room, it pained him to have to ask his first love to save his second.
Aria approached the Queen’s bed; she began to stir. The King despite wanting Isabella to get help, couldn’t believe he was looking at his first love. “So, you married Kellan Channing?” He asked, a jealously coming over him as Aria examined the Queen.
“Yes.” Aria replied and the King scoffed, while the Queen, despite her weakened condition was befuddled.
“The second son of the Baron of Elwen?” He said amazed, he always thought that she ran away because she was afraid of royalty or nobility.
“Yes, it was quite recent.” She replied.
“Have... you two, met...” The Queen asked weakly and the King sighed.
“I’m sorry dear, but yes, we knew each other.” He replied and the Queen nodded, she knew exactly who this young, blonde, beauty was.
“Aurora?” The Queen asked and Aria sighed shaking her head.
“I’m sorry, your majesty, but please my real name is Aria. I’m also sorry we got to meet on such unforeseen circumstances.” She replied and the Queen nodded.
Regardless of the Queen’s conditions she still was a breed above others. “It is an honor to finally put a face to the woman who had my husband’s heart first.” She said, her words stung Aria a bit, but she knew she was only here to help her country’s beloved Queen.
“Thank you, your majesty.” Aria said, curtsying before the Queen. “If I may examine you now?” She asked and the Queen nodded, weakly but with such nobility.
As Aria examined the Queen, King William watched her admiringly, he had forgotten how young and beautiful she was. The truth is Aria is 10 years younger than the King and when they met three years ago, she was only 15. At the time they met, the King was still just a Prince and set to take the throne. Since he was going to be crowned, the court wanted him to find a bride, so they could begin producing heirs. When he met Aurora (Aria) he believed deep in his heart she was meant to rule Banford.
Seeing Aurora (Aria) again, brought all his feelings back, he knew feeling like this was wrong as his wife lay in bed, near death.
“Your majesty?” Aria said sweetly to the Queen. Aria’s words startled the King, bringing him back to reality. “I am going to give you an elixir, it will give you energy, but this energy will only be temporary.” Aria continued, and King William scowled.
“Temporary?!” He questioned and Aria sighed nodding.
“Yes, your majesty.” She began, turning to the King and curtsying. “I don’t want you to take offense to what I have to say.” Aria said still gazing at King William. “If I had been summoned a couple days sooner, I may have been able to do more, but this is all I can do.” She explained, and the King scoffed.
“Are you blaming me?” He asked crossly, startling Aria.
“No, your majesty. I would never speak ill of you.” She replied, and the King stared at her wonderingly, he just didn’t understand this woman, why didn’t she want to be with him?
“Aria?” The Queen said, breaking the gaze between the woman and her husband.
“Yes?” She said, turning her attention back to Queen Isabella.
“If I take this elixir, will I have the strength to hold my daughter?” She asked, and Aria nodded.
“You will be able to do many things, you will feel normal, but....” Aria paused gazing at the queen sympathetically. “It will only last seven days.” She continued, and the Queen nodded.
“I understand.” She said smiling halfheartedly. “May I take it?” She asked, and Aria nodded handing the Queen a green bottle.
“Wait!” King William exclaimed, grabbing the Queen’s hand and turning his gaze to Aria.
“What happens after the seventh day?” He asked and Aria exhaled deeply.
“Her suffering will end.” She explained and the King’s eyes widened as he turned back to his wife.
“Are you saying she’ll perish?” He asked staring at the Queen solemnly and Aria nodded.
“Please William.” The Queen began. “My pain is unbearable; I just want it to end.” She begged clutching her husband’s hand tighter and the King sighed.
“When she drinks this, she won’t feel any pain for the reminder of her time?” He asked and Aria nodded.
“Yes, your majesty. She will go on without pain, without suffering.” She replied and the Queen continued to stare at King William beggingly.
“Please I don’t want to pass like this, I want to hold my daughter, I want be able to walk my gardens one last time. Don’t let me die in this bed.” She pleaded.
“Okay.” The King said, he hoped he wouldn’t regret this decision, but he trusted Aria wouldn’t steer them wrong.
Nothing else was said as the Queen uncorked the green bottle and quickly drank its contents. Moments after drinking the elixir, the Queen’s color returned. “I feel amazing, I want to go see my daughter.” She said, and Aria smiled, nodding.
“Of course, your majesty.” She replied, and Queen Isabella turned to the King, she had a solemn look in her eye as she smiled, sadly.
“Will you come with me?” She asked, and the King nodded slowly, but his eyes were on Aria.
“I will, but first, I need a moment alone, with her.” He replied motioning to Aria.
“I understand.” The Queen replied, her heart sank, even though she knew William’s heart belonged to another when they came together, actually seeing them together, pained her.
Aria followed the King to a bright corridor, where he led her into an empty room. “I want to thank you for coming here, for giving her sometime with her daughter.” The King said, staring lovingly into Aria’s eye, a look Aria remembered very well, so well that it made her uncomfortable.
“You don’t need to thank me.” Aria said trying to avoid the Kings gaze. “I did it for my country.” She explained gathering the courage to stare the King in the eye, her gaze made him smirk.
“You haven’t changed much, have you?” He asked coquettishly and Aria could feel her chest tighten. “You still care so deeply for this country.” He continued. “You really would have made an amazing Queen.” He explained moving closer to Aria, but she quickly took a step back.
“Please your majesty, we are both married!” She exclaimed, and the King’s heart stopped.
“Yes, but to our second choices.” He stated, and Aria stood frozen. “Tell me, why did you run away?” He asked, his eyes searching hers for an answer. Aria exhaled deeply.
“I was afraid, you were twenty-five and ready to take the throne. What would the people have thought if they learned the truth about me?” She explained, and the King sighed.
“I do love Isabella and she was there for me when you disappeared, I searched everywhere for you. Why did you give me the wrong name?” He questioned, and Aria’s head fell.
“I loved you, I wanted you to see me as a regular woman, if you had learned my truth, I thought you would have been disgusted with me.” She replied, and King William shook his head.
“The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I had to have you, nothing would have changed that.” He explained, raising her chin, gently; gazing lovingly into her eyes.
“Please, don’t look at me like that, your wife and the Queen of our fair country is sick!” She exclaimed trying to pull out of his grasp, but the King only held her chin tighter.
“I know, but this all feels like fate to me.” He replied, and Aria was speechless, she couldn’t believe after all these years, he still had feelings for her.
“But don’t you hate me for leaving?” She asked, and he shook his head.
“I could never hate you.” He replied. “So, let me at least give you something for what you did for Bella.” He added, and Aria shook her head.
“No, I can’t accept anything, just seeing that you could love again is enough for me.” She explained, and the King tilted his head, gazing at her wonderingly.
“Do you love him?” He asked releasing her chin, and she quickly gazed at the floor.
“I married him, didn’t I.” She said softly, but the King felt something wasn’t right about her answer. “Now please, go be with your wife. Her time is precious.” She added quickly looking back up and staring earnestly into his eyes.
The King walked out of the room, feeling like she didn’t truly answer his question, thinking this, he wondered if maybe she was still in love with him.
“There you are, your majesty.” Said the voice of one of the Queen’s maid.
“Is everything okay?” He asked, and the maid nodded, smiling brightly.
“Yes, her majesty is in the nursery with the princess and she is asking for you.” She explained, and the King nodded.
“Thank you, I shall go to her.” He replied, smiling, even though deep down he was feeling sick because all he wanted to do was go back to Aria and hold her in his arms. “I’m a horrible husband.” He said under his breath as he walked away.
Standing outside the nursery, he slowly opened the door and what he seen inside, made his heart ache. Queen Isabella was rocking their daughter and the sight of them made him feel guilty. “Are you coming in?” The Queen asked softly and the King sighed walking into the room.
“How are you feeling?” He asked, and she stopped rocking, only to look up at him, with that same solemn look on her face.
“Fine, but the real question is, how are you?” The Queen asked and the King’s heart sank, right in the moment he realized that he really wasn’t taking Bella’s feeling into consideration.
“I’m so sorry Bella.” He said rushing closer to her and the Queen stifled.
“My sweet William, of course, seeing the way you look at her stings. But the truth is I have always known that I was your second choice.” She explained, gazing down at her Princess Anne.
“Bella, I do love you and yes, there is no denying that seeing her again as brought back all those feelings, but you are my wife.” The King explained and the Queen nodded.
“But what happens after the seven days?” She asked and the King’s heart stopped, he couldn’t believe she could bring that up, so stoically.
“Why must you talk about this now?” He asked befuddled and the Queen chuckled.
“Because my dear William, when are we going to talk about it. Seven days isn’t much time and before we know it will be gone.” She began. “So, all I’m saying is that I don’t want you to stop living when I’m gone, you are only 28. This nation is going to need a Queen when I’m gone.” The Queen continued.
King William knew his wife was right, but he was starting to feel like love was just not in his cards, his first love is married to another and his second is dying.
“To be absolutely honest Bella, I think Banford will be ok without a queen.” He replied. “I have Anne to think about and her taking over the crown is the most important thing now. I don’t need another queen to rule, I am a Redding.” He explained and the Queen nodded.
“I understand, but did you ever think that maybe God brought Aria back to you for a reason.” She said and hearing her speak with such hope, confounded the King.
“She is a married woman, Bella.” He replied and the Queen stifled.
“You are the King; you can have anything you want and truthful I would be happy if a woman like her raised my daughter. She must truly care about this nation if she came here, or she is still very much in love with you.” The Queen explained.
King William stared at his wife blankly, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, he knew there still was some truth to her words, he had never truly stopped loving Aria.
One week later, just as the Aria said the Queen passed in her sleep and no one other than some of the King’s closest men and maids knew what Aria had done. A month past after her death and King William found himself thinking about Aria, he wanted to summon her back to court, but instead he decided he needed to devote himself to Anne instead.
Three years later, the King still thought about Aria, he hated how she was constantly on his mind; it made him wonder if he ever truly loved Isabella. Every time King William looked at Anne, the hatred he had for his doubts about Isabella only grew stronger, but he loved his daughter very much; nothing would change that.
It was this time that a horrible plague came to the lands of Banford, it affected the province of Bainbridge the strongest. Many citizens fell ill, some even died, it was strange plague that came from out of nowhere, it was deemed the work of witch or wizard since no medicine would heal the sick.
When the plague reached the palace, the King did everything to isolate himself and Anne, but it was too late; the plague reached the Princess. Knowing this plaque was something medicine couldn’t cure; he wasted no time in summoning Aria.
“Thank you for coming.” King William said gazing at Aria and she nodded.
“Of course.” She replied as she examined Princess Anne in the nursery.
Princess Anne who normally had porcelain skin, looked gray and her sparkling blue eyes no longer shined.
“This isn’t a normal plague.” Aria explained, and the King’s eyes widened.
“What do you mean?” He asked bewildered, they weren’t alone in the nursery, the captain of the guard and Princess Anne’s nurse were also there.
“It is dark magic.” She explained.
“Magic?” The captain said, and Aria nodded.
“Who would use such magic?” The King asked, and Aria sighed.
“Valdemar.” Aria replied knowingly, and the King and captain frowned.
“If that is true it is an act of war!” The captain exclaimed.
The country of Valdemar is to the north of Banford, it is ruled by a very dark and sinister King, who the people of Banford refer to as the King of Terror; he known for robbing his people of nearly all their wealth and giving them very little in return. Banford and Valdemar have been at each other throats for centuries, mainly because of the ore that sits between the two countries. Banford claims the mine, but Valdemar feels that it also resides on their land and that they have should have stakes in what is mined.
“Should we send out a diplomatic team, your majesty?” The captain asked, and the King nodded.
“Yes, immediately.” He replied as he turned from the captain back to the Aria. “How long does she have?” He asked her.
“I can buy some time, but I can’t guarantee anything, this is strong magic.” She said, and the King nodded.
“Then we mustn’t waste any time.” The captain said quickly leaving the nursery.
The King of Valdemar, King Bryon, informed the diplomatic team that he would never be involved in such magic and that he knew of no such witch that would enact such a serious plague. He couldn’t believe their audacity to even fathom that he would be involved with a witch.
“THAT’S NONSENSE!” King William shouted, he was in his study along with his royal advisor James Crawford, Aria and a few members of the royal guard.
The King’s harsh tone made everyone in the room jump. “You may be right, your majesty.” James Crawford said. He was a tall man with light brown hair that was tied back into a low ponytail. When he spoke, everyone turned to him. He was the King’s advisor and right-hand man; The Crawford family has been at the right hand of the Redding’s for centuries; even before they assumed the crown.
“You are aware that Queen Merida comes from a family of magic.” He explained, and the King’s eyes boggled.
“What are you saying James, that you think the Queen did this?” King William asked crossly, and James stared at the King deadpanned.
“No, she couldn’t have!” Aria said abruptly, shaking her head in disbelief. The King quickly turned to her, squinting his eyes.
“Aria, do you know Queen Merida?” He asked, his tone much softer than before, he knelt in front of her and gently placed his hand in hers.
The room was stunned by the King’s kind action’s, they had never seen him act this way towards another woman, outside of their late Queen. “Yes, your majesty. She is a powerful witch, but a kind a white witch, I couldn’t see her doing something like this.” She explained, and King William sighed.
“Your majesty? You don’t believe this witch, do you? She’s one of them, probably covering for her.” One of the knights spewed, but the King ignored his comments and continued to gaze dotingly into Aria’s eyes.
“Why do you believe this?” He asked Aria.
“I just sense it, your majesty.” She explained, and the King nodded standing up and turning back to the knight who spoke earlier.
“Sir George. Would you mind not referring to Aria in such a manner, especially when she is trying to save your princess’s life.” He said bluntly, and the knight stared at him aghast.
“Oh, yes, I’m sorry your majesty.” He replied stammering and the King chuckled.
“I’m not the one you should be apologizing too.” He said, and Sir George was stunned, the rest of the room was speechless, it was Aria who broke the silence.
“Sir George, you don’t have to apologize to me, I understand.” She replied smiling.
“Ariacould be right though.” James said as if trying to break the tension in the room.
“And what is your theory, James?” The King asked.
“Queen Merida, is known for being kind to the people of Valdemar, no one in Valdemar understands how she ended up with the King of terror, so what I’m saying is that she may have been cornered.” He explained, and King William stared at him wonderingly, but then he turned back to Aria.
“How much time does Anne have?” He asked her, and Aria sighed.
“I don’t know, I’m doing everything in my power, but like I said this magic is strong.” She replied, remorsefully.
“I see, then we have no choice.” The King began. “I want to invade Valdemar, force them to hand over whomever is responsible.” He explained, and the knights murmured in agreement.
“Your majesty.” Aria saidquickly, and the room went silence. “I understand seeking out who is responsible is important to save the princess, but the truth is, half of your royal army are my patients. Do you really think you could win a war; without sacrificing the non-sick?” She asked, and the King’s eyes widened, and James smirked.
The King’s expression began to falter, it was like he was about to breakdown at any moment. “Captain, James, take the knights and leave.” He said turning his back to the room and gazing out the window.
“Yes, your majesty.” The Captain and James said in unison.
When the room was empty, Aria felt like maybe she should leave as well, but as she rose, the King fell to his knees; sobbing profusely. Aria’s heart sank, and she rushed to his side. “Your majesty?” She said lovingly, placing her hand on his shoulder, to which he instantly clung to like a small child.
“Please, say my name like you use to.” He begged, and Aria’s eyes widened.
“I can’t, it would be informal of me.” She explained as he nestled his face into her hand.
“I thought... I loved Isabella, but the truth is, I lied to myself, so I could get over the pain of losing you and now my daughter is laying there clinging to her life. If I lose her what do I have?” He rambled flabbergasted and Aria’s heart cringed, she hated seeing such a strong man break.
She sighed, peering down at him. “I’m sorry, I was 15 and frightened of the real me.” She explained placing her hand on the King’s soft cheek.
He kissed her hand as he rose to his feet, he continued to stare deeply into her eyes. “I need you.” He said.
“What?” She asked aghast pulling away from him, but he quickly pulled her into a rough embrace.
“I want to make love to you.” He said in a yearning whisper, his hot breath on her neck.
“Please, we can’t. I’m married.” She said pleading and the King grabbed her left hand, glancing bitterly at the ring on her finger.
“Just for today…” He began as his fingers moved to her wedding band and began taking it off. “Can we forget about that?” He asked, placing the ring on his desk and Aria sighed. She couldn’t help it, she loved this man so much, before she could stop herself, she wrapped her arms around his back.
Feeling her tight embrace, the King kissed her vigorously, their kiss became deeper and deeper; so deep that Aria began feeling weak in the knees. She clung to him tightly just to keep herself from fainting, for a moment their lips parted, and they stared at one another fervently.
“I want to take you to the bed, but I don’t think I can hold out that long.” He said kissing her neck, Aria moaned.
He lifted her up and placed her gently on a chaise. Climbing on top of her, he gazed down at her lustfully. “I have dreamed of doing this for the last six years.” He explained, panting, then his hands began fondling her body. The next moment the two of them became one, in body and soul.
Later that same night, when the King was alone James approached him. “Your majesty, can I ask you something?” He said and the King sighed peering up at him.
“What is it James?” He asked.
“Is Aria the woman who got away?” He questioned, even though he knew the answer and the King slowly nodded. “I thought her name was Aurora?” He asked, and the King sighed.
“She told me that, because she was afraid.” The King explained, and James scowled.
“Afraid of what?” James asked bewildered.
“Of me learning that she is a witch.” The King replied, and James nodded.
“But she is much younger than you.” He pointed out and the King stifled.
“Yes, she was 15 when I met her, but I didn’t care, she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, and she had this amazing voice. That voice drew me in.” He explained passionately, and James’s eyes widened.
“You still really love her, don’t you?” He asked, and the King smirked, nodding.
“I never stopped, even Bella knew that my heart truly didn’t belong to her.” The King said, thinking and James sighed.
“She did the right thing.” James explained, and the King stared at him perplexed.
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“Do you have any idea what the aristocracy would say, if they learned your wife to be was a witch.” He explained, and King chuckled.
“I wouldn’t have cared, Aria is a good woman, a pure witch, a white witch, you should see her in the forest. The animals are attracted to her, everyone that meets her loves her.” He said, and James stifled.
“Well, your majesty, she must really love you to be here trying to save your daughter, a daughter that was born from your late wife.” He said, and King William nodded.
“Aria, is loyal to the royal family, that was one of the first things I learned about her.” The King explained, and James smiled.
“Maybe you should convince her to stay?” He asked, and the King frowned.
“How can I do that? She is married.” The King replied, and James sighed.
“You’re Banford’s King, nothing is off limits to you.” He explained pragmatically.
King William knew James was right, but he couldn’t force Aria to do anything she didn’t want to do, despite how much he yearned for her.
A few days past and the Princess wasn’t improving, but she wasn’t getting any worse. Valdemar still refused to help, and the King was nearing his wits end.
“Aria.” The King said breathlessly as the two of them were alone in the nursery.
“Yes, your majesty.” She replied, and he sighed, gazing at her longingly.
“Please, just say my name.” He pleaded and hearing him beg, sucked the life out of Aria.
“William.” She said, and the King’s heart leaped.
“You have no idea; how much I enjoy hearing you speak my name. I think it is the only time I enjoy hearing it.” He explained, and Aria smiled. “And that smile, really makes me feel like everything will be okay.” He added.
Aria sighed, she walked over to the King and knelt in front of him. “All I want is for you to be happy, which is why I will do everything possible to save Princess Anne.” She said diligently, and the King smiled halfheartedly as he stroked her cheek.
“I know you will, but I am prepared for the worst. Valdemar will never give us the cure and I don’t think I can stand to watch my poor daughter suffer anymore.” He replied, and Aria was stunned.
“William?” She said, fearing that the King was giving up on his daughter.
“I know what you’re thinking, my love.” He said gazing deeply into her eyes. “But please, stop her pain. I can’t bear the thought of her crying anymore, besides, she’ll be with Bella.” He explained, and tears formed in the corner of his eyes, his actions made a tear roll down Aria’s cheek.
“You truly are a selfless man.” She replied, and the King exhaled deeply, wiping Aria’s tears.
“I’m not that selfless, the truth is, I want you stay with me forever.” He said, and her eyes widened.
“What?!” She asked stunned as she quickly stood, putting a distance between them.
Instantly the King rose and embraced her, gently. Being wrapped in his strong arms, made Aria swoon.
“Please, you know I can’t stay with you. You have no idea, what Kellan went through, so we could marry.” She said and the King frowned, pulling away from Aria.
“Do you love him?” He asked jealously, and Aria stared down at the floor, she wanted to tell him yes, but she couldn’t.
“I don’t know, but I vowed myself to him and I already betrayed him, and it is killing me inside.” She explained, and the King scoffed.
“Then stay here, be my wife.” He begged, and Aria shook her head.
“Do you know what the people would say, they wouldn’t believe that our love is real, they would think I bewitched you somehow.” She replied, and the King’s heart stopped, he knew she spoke the truth, no one would accept Aria as the new Queen, but he was willing to fight.
“I can’t lose you again.” He said as he glanced at Princess Anne asleep in her crib. “Especially with the state my daughter is in.” He added, and Aria sighed, staring at him sympathetically, without another word she rushed into his arms.
King William held her tightly and they kissed ardently. “Come with me to my room.” He whispered lustfully, and Aria nodded.
The next day, Princess Anne had a severe fever and she was writhing in pain. Seeing his daughter like this angered the King. “This is all my fault!” He exclaimed. “God is punishing me.” He said feeling disgusted with himself.
“He is not punishing you.” Aria explained, trying her best to comfort him.
“No, he is, I never truly loved her mother, my heart belonged to you.” He replied, and Aria sighed.
“Stop!” She shouted. “If that is the truth, then I am no better than you, where is my punishment?” She said, and King William’s eyes widened, and his shoulders slumped.
“Just make her pain stop, if God won’t, then will you?” He asked, and Aria nodded slowly.
“But are you sure?” She questioned, and he nodded.
“I can’t stand watching her suffer, make it stop, please.” He pleaded and again Aria nodded.
“Okay.” She replied softly.
“Will she feel anything?” He asked, and Aria shook her head.
“No.” She replied, and the King sighed, tears rolling down his cheeks.
The King decided it was for the best that no one knew that Aria took Princess Anne’s pain away, instead he informed the people that Princess Anne died from a high fever. The people were saddened, their heir was dead, and the King remained unmarried. The aristocracy didn’t waste any time in telling the King that he had to remarry and birth another heir, the King didn’t have the heart. He didn’t want to lay with another woman, unless that woman was Aria.
After Princess Anne was laid to rest, the King took Aria alone into his study. “They want me to remarry.” He saidsolemnly, and Aria nodded.
“Of course, this country needs an heir.” She replied understandingly.
“I can’t though, I refuse to marry anyone, unless it’s you.” He said, and Aria sighed.
“You know that is impossible, I have Kellan.” She explained, and the King clicked his tongue.
“Are you okay going back to him, despite all we have done together?” He asked, and Aria could sense an irritation in his voice.
“Of course not, but I have to.” She replied.
“Even though you two haven’t seen each other in over two months and he hasn’t even bothered writing you back.” He said, and Aria was flabbergasted.
“How did you know, I had written him?” She asked, and the King smiled wryly.
“I know everything that goes on here. Did you tell him?” He said, and Aria shook her head.
“I tried, but I couldn’t. I fear that if I speak the truth, the Channing’s will want me killed.” She replied, and the King shook his head as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I would never allow it.” He said lovingly.
“Why do you love me so much?” She asked, burying her face into his broad chest.
“I don’t know, I just don’t want to give you back to him. The thought of him touching you, it infuriates me.” He replied, squeezing her tightly as someone cleared their throats loudly.
“Your majesty.” A familiar male voice said.
The King and Aria quickly separated and turned to the voice, it belonged to James.
“What is it James?” The King asked, annoyed.
“I’ve been looking into your situation.” He explained, and the King stared at him curiously.
“My situation?” He asked.
“Yes, I know you don’t want to get re-married; you have suffered two terrible loses and the people will understand your broken heart.” James explained, and the King scowled as James continued. “So, I read about a law that states if no heir is born, one can be elected by you through a process. A young girl will be chosen by you from one of are provinces, if she passes the required tests.” He finished, hearing this the King stroked his chin, he was intrigued.
“Interesting, you think the aristocracy would go for it?” The King asked, and James smiled.
“Yes, when the people sympathize with you, you will be free to do as you choose, without the public knowing.” He explained, and the King glanced at Aria.
“You’re still going to return to Kellan, aren’t you?” He asked, and Aria nodded.
“I have too.” She explained, and the King nodded.
“I understand, can I still see you?” He pleaded, and Aria shook her head.
“We can’t it will be too painful.” She explained and James who was observing them closely, quickly exited the room; knowing him being there was awkward.
“Then can I have you one more time before we say good bye?” He asked, nearing tears and Aria nodded.
