GLYSTLAND

It had been several long, exhausting hours since James, the King of Glystland, had watched his fair beloved wife and Queen of many years, Joanne, get wheeled into the castle’s birth chamber. She had been red in the face from cursing, crying, and screaming hysterically. He was going to follow her inside, but as soon as she and the nurses passed through the large iron doors, they slammed shut in his face.

He stopped, and silently willed them to open again, but to no avail. He crossed his arms and glared at the doors before starting to pace back and forth in front of the entryway like a sentry. After a while, he was pacing so much that he was starting to wear a hole in the floor, but he was too busy to care.

He had more important things to worry about than that. Like his wife, for instance.

Every time Joanne let out an agonised scream, he winced in sympathy, wanting nothing more than to be by her side, holding her hand. But he knew he couldn’t. As a man, it wasn’t his place to be in the birthing suite with his wife giving birth. It just wasn’t the proper custom in their kingdom during that time or that was what he have been taught. To respect your wife when she’s in pain. At least that’s what centuries of history taught the Ethen dynasty.

So, he was left outside to pace and ponder of his wife and newborn’s well-being.

As the minutes passed, his heavy footsteps echoed through the hall against the stone floors. Periodically, he shot anxious glances at the doors, which seemed never to open—much to his frustration. He desperately wanted to know if they were going to live.

It was something that he needed to know.

But after what seemed like a painful eternity, the intensity of Joanne’s screaming lessened until they stopped altogether. A newborn infant's first earsplitting wails began, followed by another, softer cry. Hearing the noise, James banged on the door frantically, hoping someone would hear and let him enter.

Luckily, he didn’t have to wait long.

The door opened, and a short, dark-haired nurse came out. Bright red blood and birthing fluid stained her white uniform but plastered her face with a bright, excited smile. Seeing the nurse, the King rushed over to her and clutched her shoulders tightly, his light blue eyes wild and anxious. She stopped, feeling the King holding onto her, looking like he was about to burst.

“Well, nurse, what news do you have for me?”

The question and the King’s almost crushing grip momentarily rendered her speechless. She stared up at him, blinking without processing his words. It was like she wasn’t all there. James had to shake her to get her to say something, but all she could say was, “Uhhhhh….”

The King, realizing he was hurting the woman’s shoulders, quickly loosened his grip and stepped back, giving her space to breathe. He shot her an apologetic smile. She shook her head and understood he was nervous about being a father for the first time, so he was forgiven. The nurse then clapped her hands before speaking in an excited tone.

“My Lord, the gods will be pleased to discover the prophecy to be true. Our Queen has just given birth to not only one but two healthy babies—twins. Congratulations, my King. You’re now the father of a beautiful baby girl and a handsome baby boy. They are to be the next Prince and Princess of the realm.”

After hearing the nurse’s delightful news, James’s face broke out into a broad, warm smile. He straightened to his full height, towering over the woman, and raised his hands to the sky in celebration. His wife was well, and he had two beautiful, healthy children. What more could he ask for?

The prophecy is true. Can he believe it?

He then faced the nurse, his smile relaxing into something more reserved but polite.

“Thank you for your well wishes, Nurse. May I now go see my wife and children?”

She got out of the way of the door and bowed low out of respect momentarily before straightening her posture to meet the King’s blue eyes.

“You’re welcome, My Lord. And yes, you may,” she said politely.

James smiled at her gratefully.

“Excellent; thank you so much for your help, ma’am. I greatly appreciate it,” he replied.

She nodded to acknowledge his kind words, got out of his way, turned on her heel, and exited the area. She needed to change into clean clothes and check on her other patients' progress.

But without further ado, the King entered the vast birth chamber. It was a white, sterile environment with a large bed in one corner. Several nurses were scurrying around the large room, caring for the infants and their vitals. But James only had eyes for his darling Joanne.

She was lying in the middle of the large bed, her dark nightgown bloody and sweat-soaked, which stuck to her skin, dark circles rimming her beautiful eyes, and her long blonde hair in a messy, tangled bun at the nape of her neck. She may have been a mess, but James thought she was the loveliest creature in all the land.

Upon James’s entry into the room, Joanne waved him over to her with a weak bright smile, and he rushed to her side.

“Oh, Joanne, how are you feeling?” he asked.

She smiled tiredly at him before beckoning him closer with a delicate hand. He did as she asked, falling to his knees beside her bed and affectionately pressing a hand against her cheek. She leaned into the gentle touch, continuing to smile at him. Her lovely green eyes brightened as they met his, and he gently stroked her cheek with his thumb.

She clutched the hand that was caressing her face before clearing her throat.

“James, I’m so happy you’re here to see me and finally meet our two children. They’re healthy and beautiful and the perfect mix of us both. I hope you’ll love them as much as you love me,” she said.

James had tears cascading down his sharp cheekbones at Joanne’s heartfelt words.

“Of course, I’ll love them, Joanne! I’m so proud of you, my love,” he said, grabbing his wife’s petite hand and gently squeezing it before kissing her soft knuckles. “Thank you so much for the wonderful gift you’ve provided us with.”

This comment made Joanne chuckle wetly and playfully slap his chest. James grinned in amusement. While exhausted, it seemed like his wife was in a joyful mood.

“Oh, James, don’t give me more credit than I deserve. You were just as involved in creating them. A more than willing participant, so to speak,” she said before she closed her eyes.

James chuckled at his wife’s last comment before shaking his head at her.

“I know. But I insist you deserve most of the credit for this, Joanne. You’re more than deserving. After all, you were the one who carried them in your womb for almost nine months. And for that, I’m grateful for you; you’re the most beautiful thing God has given me. You’ve given me the strength to survive anything that comes at me. It has made me so glad to call you my wife—I have always been since we married all those years ago. You know that, right?” James asked, kissing her with joy.

She nodded, not opening her eyes, but some tears flowed down her face. The words made her sob louder as James shushed her and gently kissed her forehead. She was silent momentarily before speaking; it was barely audible, but James still heard it.

“Yes.”

They held each other for a few minutes without a single word but a waterfall of tears from her eyes while James caressing her long black hair. He made sure to place delicate kisses at intervals at her lovely wet cheeks.

“Where is she?” Joanne asked James while touching his blond hair. He smiled and opened his mouth to answer.

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“I was here the whole time,” a female voice said in amusement.

The voice belonged to a short, lean girl that possessed James’s blue eyes; his younger sister, Stacy. She was 28 years old but was still amazed by the same things that she loved when she was a teenager.

Joanne barely lifted her head to glance at her, but Stacy waved off.

“Oh come on. Have I committed a crime?”

James gave her an amused look.

“No, you didn’t, but I’m quite surprised you stayed quiet the whole time.”

Instead of being annoyed by her older brother’s comment, she smirked and shook her head.

“Oh, I just thought I’d give you lovebirds some time to enjoy yourselves.”

Stacy smiled wickedly while Joanne shook her head. James then picked up his son before walking towards Stacy. Her smile widened the closer James got.

“Wow he’s beautiful. He reminds me of you.”

James chuckled.

“Are you our mother now?”

“What?” Stacy raised her brows.

“I say that because it seems like you remembered me when I was an infant.”

Stacy gave him a fond look before replying.

“Brother, I’ve lived long enough with Mother to know how you looked as a baby. You were her favourite. She was always babbling about your cute face and everything good about you.”

James shook his head before he opened his mouth.

“Well, Dad loved you more than me so we’re equal.”

Stacy grinned at the mention of their father with whom she had a close relationship.

“Dad was the best,” she said, making James smile.

“So was mom.”

“No, Dad’s the best,” Stacy argued, raising her voice loud enough to drag the attention of a few maids who looked at each other and giggled.

The royals didn't scare them; they were too kind-hearted towards their people.

Joanne listened to the banter between her husband and sister-in-law before she rolled her eyes.

“Oh, for God’s sake you aren’t teenagers who are fighting for their parents’ attention anymore. Grow up both of you,” Joanne said, silencing both.

She tried to stand up from the bed but failed, falling back against the soft pillows. James gave her a glass of water which she drank in a single gulp. The siblings looked at Joanne with wide, shocked eyes.

Joanne smirked.

“What? I was thirsty.”

Recovering quickly, they shook their heads and chuckled before James gave his son to Stacy. He held his daughter while walking towards the door, rocking her in his arms.

A moment later, a man as tall as James walked in, bowing and congratulating them even though the royals of Glystland never expected formal gestures of their subjects. The man then informed them as to why he was visiting.

James sighed.

“I guess I have to do my speech now, Beaufort?” He continued rocking the baby. The man who has been the Minister of Foreign Affairs his whole life for the royals of Glystland nodded in agreement.

Stacy raised an eyebrow at him.

“James….. What's with this speech that you have to do?”

“Honestly, you don’t know?” James asked sarcastically. “Wow. I’m surprised that you’re a royal. You ought to know why.”

Stacy rolled her eyes and she directed her gaze at Beaufort who smiled back.

“Princess-” he started to say but stopped when she raised her hand and shook her head.

“Cut the princess crap, you know you can call me by my name. But if you don’t respect that, then you’ll regret it.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs froze for a few moments before regaining his voice.

“But your Grace, you’re indeed our princess….”

He was cut off again when Stacy gave him an icy glare before coming towards him. He looked at James and Joanne pleading looks. Of course, they were too busy focusing on their children to notice. He was snapped out of his thoughts by Stacy’s voice.

“Minister, if you continue to address me with formalities I’ll slit your throat myself. Now speak.”

The threat made it difficult for him to get a full sentence out of his mouth.

“So your grac-... Oh I’m sorry….”

Stacy kept her frigid gaze on him while slowly rocking her nephew. The Minister tried to regain the last bit of courage he could muster by taking a deep breath before speaking.

“Well, since our great queen Joanne has given birth to two babies under the grace of God, it’s the responsibility of the King of Glystland to announce the delightful news to the other royals of the other kingdoms.”

Joanne raised her free hand to silent Beaufort, who focused on her.

“Okay. Next time, it wouldn’t be her slitting your throat; it’ll be me, wise sir. Acknowledge me as queen, but stop sugarcoating the titles. You’ve been here for how many– never mind.”

She was cut off by Stacy’s sharp look before she returned her attention to the Minister. She cuddled her nephew to her as she sat down and raised an eyebrow at the Minister.

“Why can’t you make the announcement yourself? You are the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

The Minister inhaled and exhaled nervously before he spoke, choosing his next words wisely. When he spoke, his voice came out strong and authoritative.

“Your Grace, it should be the king’s responsibility to speak and it’s my responsibility to deliver the message to other kingdoms.”

Stacy curled her lips and got up, walking away, frustrated. James grumbled, knowing he had to go after her. His eyes sought his wife’s.

“Please give us a moment, Joanne,” he said before he handed their daughter to her and walked outside.

They walked into the chamber of realms. James started writing few things on a piece of paper before erasing what he wrote. The Minister of Foreign Affairs took a blank parchment, but while holding it in one hand, it snapped and the thing started to glow. He gestured to speak to it which James did.

After a few moments, Beaufort threw it into the dustbin. James covered his mouth, staring at Beaufort with twinkling eyes.

“What did you just do?” he asked, chuckling with both hands in the air.

“Your Grace, we need a much eloquent description in this speech.”

James shook his head.

“No, I won’t do it. I don’t give a damn about any formalities. Now take that parchment and deliver it,” he said, turning away from the Minister.

Shocked by the King’s dismissive behavior, Beaufort walked over, intent on stopping the King from the room. His eyes were wide with shock.

“But Your Grace, you’re the king of Glystland. The holder of the crown Glyst and the guardian of the Hidden Forest. Please reconsider you actions,” the man begged.

James looked him in the eye and released a sigh.

“Ugh. Fine.”

They redid and finalised the speech into the parchment. Every word he said magically appeared on the parchment while also recording his voice. The Royal Speech Parment was the most common, secured and trustworthy form of parchment to exist in the Orbis Vasiliea.

Then once the work was done, James left. He went back to his wife and children. But Beaufort remained in the chamber working on parchment copies.

James walked into his bedroom, finding the babies asleep on the bed with Joanne. He slowly stepped towards the bed where Joanne was watching over them with much love in her eyes. When she saw him, she raised an eyebrow.

“So my king, what took you so long?”

“It was the damn parchments. We had to redo them,” James growled, his blue eyes dark with frustration.

Joanne chuckled and playfully hit his cheeks.

“It’s okay. Now come sit with us.”

Within a week the news was carried to every kingdom in Orbis Vasiliea and some kingdoms congratulated them while others said they will in the future.

It was a sunny day but Joanne and James rarely left the room to enjoy the sun on their skin. They had a higher priority at hand, in their warm bed. The precious twins.

James looked out the window, smiling to himself before facing his wife.

“The sun is shining brightly, my dear,” he said.

“That’s wonderful, but nothing’s going to take my attention away from them, Your Grace,” she joked.

James leaned forward to kiss her lips, and in a moment their lips were attached together enjoying every second of it before they were interrupted. They opened their eyes to focus on the intruder.

It was Eadred, the Hand of the King. The tall man was sweating from head to toe.

It had James leaping to his feet, wary.

“What is it Eadred?”

He swallowed nervously.

“I’m sorry to interrupt James but we have some news,” Eadred spoke to James as if he were his own brother which they truly were, a better life with less formalities among royals of Glystland.

James looked at him and gestured to him to speak on the matter, but Eadred only shook his head. Surprised by the behaviour Joanne spoke.

“Seriously what is it? Has James helped another man run away from the death penalty?” she laughed.

But Eadred looked a bit scared, sweat dripping from his forehead and unable to meet either of their gazes.

James spoke loudly this time bothered by his behaviour.

“This is not an excuse or time to make fun. Say it or leave. I want to spend time with my family.” He turned to Joanne who smiled at his affection.

Eadred stepped forward and faced the King with a very hard gaze.

“This is very urgent James.”

“Then say it urgently.”

Eadred swallowed, looking at Joanne and releasing a sigh.

“It’s about the twins,” he said finally.

“Oh, do you want to hold them?” Joanne joked trying to ease the tension that was hanging in the room. But he still didn’t take the serious look off his face.

“No, it’s not that. Myrtle has arrived, and she has said..” he stuttered before being interrupted.

“Myrtle said what?” Joanne furrowed her brow before he managed to speak again.

“The twins are in danger.”

With those words, the relaxed atmosphere became silent and nervous. James started pacing back and forth while Joanne clutched her hand to her heart.