The next few days went by in a blur. After Da Ankora checked on me, and confirmed Devon’s words about my conception time being nearer, I tried to do as much as I could for my mates and the kingdom, while preparing for the arrival of my babies.
Chrys seemed to know what was going on because she had been spending each waking moment with me, with her little palms always placed on my stomach.
Devon said she could feel the babies and was trying to let them feel her affection. It was heart-warming to hear those words. Knowing she was ready for her siblings was the best feeling ever.
While I basked in the love of my family, I tried to be the best queen I could. With Devon’s help, I could carry on daily without feeling any pain, which was how I got to fulfil my mission, to get the throne.
There were people who were still against our union, who were both angry at their kings for abandoning them, only to return with a werewolf who grew up in the human world, and me. Others supported my movement.
It hadn’t been easy these past few weeks. Each day was filled with apprehension as I tried to know if it was time for the babies to arrive. Though Devon told me it would take a month and some days for it to happen, I was hoping the babies would be delayed for another week until I got my task done.
“Are you ready?” Chris asked, walking into my room. She was dressed already, in her favour in black pants and a black shirt – yeah, my ‘fashionista’ friend now dresses like a person going to a funeral every day. That was unless I begged her to dress in something colourful.
“Yeah.” Dabbing a blush lightly on my cheek, I got up from the chair. Today was the first day I would address them without my mates. There was an issue with the kingdom in the North, so they left to sort it out, leaving me to deal with the others. Because of the issue, only those from the East, West, and South would be attending.
“You look great.” She gave me an appraisal, admiring the new gown Blue got for me. “Just like a queen.”
“Thank you.” Grinning, I closed the distance between us and placed my right palm on her left one. “Lead the way, my loyal guard. This queen is ready to meet her people.”
Chuckling at my words, she led me out of the room and up the stairs. Because of the number of people attending the meeting, to discuss the future of the kingdom and what we needed to do for our progress, we decided to have the meeting outside the building, as there was enough space out there for everyone.
Chris and Devon arranged the chairs for the people to sit, making it as pleasant as it would have been had we stayed in the throne room. To make it comfortable for them, I had Devon block the sun with his powers to keep the place cool.
I stood on the balcony, surveying my people as I prepared to address them. Chris and Devon settled by my sides, silently waiting and watching.
My swollen belly, heavy with the weight of the babies, pressed against the stone railing as my gaze went from one corner to the other, pleased at the number of people who honoured my call.
Da Ankora was among them. He stood by the back, with his arms folded and a small smile on his lips as he watched me, looking proud.
I had always loved these moments, connecting with my subjects and sharing my vision for a prosperous land. But today, I felt a sense of unease, a nagging discomfort that I couldn’t shake.
As I began to speak, my voice rang out across the courtyard, clear and strong, just like I had practised countless with the mirror in my room.
“My dear people, today we gather to celebrate our triumphs and look toward a brighter future…” My words trailed off as a sudden, searing pain ripped through my abdomen. Gasping, I gripped the railing.
“Are you okay?” Devon and Chris asked at the same time.
“Yeah, I’m good.” I nodded before I resumed, determined to get this done despite the pain. “I trust we all know the benefits of a prosperous kingdom, one that will be a comfort to our children and their children after them!”
As the crowd voiced their agreement, the same shock I felt earlier returned. At first, it was a dull ache, like a vice tightening around my middle. I tried to power through, thinking it was just a minor contraction. But then, a gush of warm liquid spilt down my legs, and I knew. My water had broken.
Panic set in as I felt the pain intensify, a burning sensation that seemed to spread from my back to my front. It was as if my body were being torn apart from the inside out. I clutched the railing, my knuckles white as I screamed.
The sound that escaped my lips was primal, a raw, anguished cry that echoed off the walls. My vision blurred, and my knees buckled as I fell back. I felt myself being caught by Devon and Chris, who rushed to support me as I doubled over.
The pain was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was a living, breathing entity that wrapped itself around my torso, squeezing and twisting. I felt like I was being ripped in two, my body tearing apart to bring the babies into the world.
I remember thinking, “This is it. This is the moment.” But all I could focus on was the agony that consumed me. My screams grew louder, more desperate, as I begged for it to end.
The faces around me blurred together-Devon’s worried expression, the concerned looks on Chris’s face and the frightened gazes of my guards. I saw them all, yet saw none. My world had narrowed to a single, overwhelming sensation: pain.
As I screamed once more from the pressure down there, everything went dark.