Confirmed

Shock races through me, shaking me to my Core. "With Child?" My Voice trembles as I Repeat the Words.

"Yes, your Grace." He pats my hand Tenderly. "You are going to Be a Mother. My Sincerest Congratulations to YOU and the king."

He closes his fold and Prepares to leave. "Drink plenty of water, Do YOUR Best with Rest, and Eat, Eat, Eat. I Will Be back to Monitor YOUR Progress in a few weeks." He Says before leaving the Room.

I am left entirely alone and utterly Bewildered. "Oh My GOD.." I Whisper to My SELF. "What have I Done.."

A loud Knock sounds on the door. "You may Enter." I Say with as much Strength as I am able to muster.

Seamus steps into the room, walking Toward me. I sit up slowly, Allowing my legs to slide Carefully off the side of the bed.

"Please, my QUEEN." He Says, holding up a hand. "You Need your Strength."

I remain quietly seated on the bed. Havoc afflicting my Mind.

"My QUEEN." Seamus Cautiously continues. "Is.. Are YOU Well?"

We sit in Silence for a few Moments. I am uncertain what to Tell The Council Members. An Explanation will be Necessary.

"This will pass." I finally Announce. He waits for me to continue. I Select my Words Carefully. "Tell The Council that The Doctor Administered an Antidote and will Be Monitoring my Progress."

"Yes, my QUEEN." He Says, both Satisfied and concerned with my Answer.

"And Seamus." I firmly respond. He looks me directly in the eye. "Thank you."

He nods slowly, watching my face Carefully. I Think quietly to my SELF. Seamus Interrupts.

"The two men who Visited the king prior." He Begins. "They were not who they Claimed to have Been."

"No."

"I Believe these men to Be Jonathan and James." He continues.

"Yes." I Confirm.

"You Sent them, my QUEEN?" He Questions.

"I Did."

"Then why Provide false Names?" He ponders quietly to him Self. I wait Patiently. He Speaks again. "You do not Trust them."

"I Do not." I Answer.

He nods, Understanding Dawning upon him. "My QUEEN." Seamus continues. "What am I Missing?"

"Jonathan too has Pledged his Loyalty." I pause. "Shortly before Providing me a Fresh pot of tea he Brewed personally."

"The tea was poisoned." Seamus Finished.

"Confirmed."

Rage flashed across Seamus's face. "How would you like for me to Handle him, my QUEEN?" His Voice dangerously low.

"In Due Time, Seamus." I Say. "It is Best to not Raise Suspicion."

Murderously seething, he struggles to regain his Composure. His eyes blackening, bloodlust filling the room.

"The king's Children are our Priority. Should we Reveal our Position too soon, we will lose this War." I continue.

"So instead you Give him this Battle." Seamus stares at me Incredulously.

"You Forget your Stature." I Hear my SELF Claim.

"Forgive me, my QUEEN." He bows his head, Preparing to take a knee.

"Rise, Seamus." I Say prior. "Get some Rest. Tomorrow we Make our Move amongst The Council."

"Yes, my QUEEN."

"You are Dismissed."

Seamus bows his head once again, turns and leaves.

"I too Must get some Rest." I Tell my SELF.

I lift my SELF from the bed, tiptoeing quietly into Timothais and Eliza's room. Each Child is tucked sweetly into their beds, Dreaming Peacefully. "Thank you, Layra." I Whisper Inwardly. My stomach rumbles.

Oh! Goodness! I had almost forgotten I had lost my entire Meal. Remembering the Meal from earlier, I slip out of The Children's Chambers and walk Toward The Dining Room. "Layra is already Proving her Self to Be quite useful." I Smile to my SELF.

I take a seat at the large table and remove the tray cover. Roasted duck with baby carrots and new potatoes Welcomed me. Grateful for this Meal, I Bow my head and Say a PRAYER.

"THANK YOU, GOD, for this Meal. I Receive YOUR BLESSINGS with GRATITUDE. AMEN."

Every bite is a Delight. Tender and juicy, the Meal is Prepared to Perfection. I eat every last bite, drink a cup of water, and stifle a yawn. Exhaustion nudges me Toward The Chambers.

I Step back into The Children's Chambers, slide off my heels, and Find the Appropriate Sleeping Attire laid out upon the remaining empty bed. Impressed by Layra again, I maneuver my Silently into the Wash Room, undressing and clothing my SELF in a long, soft gown.

Seeing my Reflection, I lay a hand upon my abdomen, a new lump Rising in my throat. Xavier Must never Know.. I take a Deep Breath, Calming my Nerves, and return to the bedroom. The cool sheets envelope me as I turn my SELF in.

Tomorrow is a New Day. Sleep Finds me quickly.