Chapter 25: Don't get too excited.

Angelique's POV

I sat by the courtyard as I watched all the younger ladies train. For now, this is all I can offer them. Hopefully, one day, I could establish a proper organization that offers them shelter, education, and proper care for those who can't fend for themselves.

It has been a week since we took Alicent under our care. Maidservant Rose seems so much happier. We made sure that no one saw little Alicent in fear of Grea's wrath. The girl excelled in combat and swordsmanship. She appears to be on the same level as I was when I was her age. She's a natural.

To our advantage, no noble lady or royal visits our little group. So far, it has only been a few who wanted to learn how to fight. Mostly it's young princesses with bratty attitudes. I had to make their mothers sign a statement that they wouldn't complain or file any accusations should anything happen to their kids. These mothers are super overprotective and often get on my nerves!

I sighed, watching the younglings. There were three girls in particular that I am proud of; Alicent, Nala, and Eva. Nala is a beautiful girl with long flowing golden hair and a pair of green eyes. She stood tall and skinny like a toy doll. She is especially great with swords.

Eva is a slim-thick girl with short brown hair and a pair of faint blue eyes. She's the same height as the other two girls. She fancied the bow as her choice of weapon, and she was amazing at it.

I applauded, watching them take down an opposing team of three. Their teamwork was marvelous! I would like to personally sponsor them until they can stand on their own. I want them to be the future of this organization. They have a bright future ahead of them and I want to be part of it.

"Well done, girls!" I cheered, approaching them. I turned to the team that lost and shook their hands. "I am proud of you as well. Well done, girls! Do not worry. You'll do better!"

"We shall not disappoint, your grace!" the trio said before running off to train on the other side.

I then turned to the winning three proudly. "I am very impressed with your teamwork, little ones," I said, "I would like to offer you something in return for your hard work."

The trio beamed with excitement, nodding their heads.

"I want you to become the face of this organization," I explained, "I know you are young, but I see the potential in you. As you know, I am the White Knight of this kingdom. Perhaps one day, one of you could succeed in this title from me."

"How could you put so much faith in us?" asked Nala, "How can you trust us? We're just a bunch of children."

"I was also a child when my family pushed me into becoming a warrior," I explained, "I know that you have what it takes to become as strong as I, if not stronger. I want you to swear an oath to our new family when you turn sixteen. That is enough time to think about my offer, is it not?"

"Yes, your majesty," they bowed.

"Good," I said, "Then from this day forth, the three of you are now sisters and will remain in this group until the day you swear the oath. Now, run along and continue with your training. After I give birth, I will be your teacher and train you myself."

The three left to continue on with their training. I made sure that Maidservant Rose was always present when I was away. We have to be extra cautious for Alicent's safety.

Hera soon came, handing me a letter that I assumed was from my husband. "It's a miracle," she says, "It's the fastest he's written a response to you. Maybe your methods in making him fall are effective."

I rolled my eyes at her. "Don't underestimate him, Hera," I said, opening the letter, "He was a rake, remember? He has a heart made of the coldest and hardest ice in the world." I opened the letter and read.

To my wife,

Don't get too excited. But yes, I happen to have missed you. I thought I made that very clear in my previous letter. To this day, I still cannot believe that I am missing more than just your body. I suppose it flatters me that you miss me too, Angelique. And you're right, this is a disaster. We both know it is. I am, however, not afraid of a little danger. Are you?

About the girl you say Maidservant Rose has adopted, I am very intrigued. As you know, Maidservant Rose is still single to this day. She's yet to find a husband. I suppose she must want a child now that I'm no longer one. Is she happy? If she is, then so am I.

I don't know if you are aware of the thing going on between Rose and Silver. They seem to be a couple and yet they aren't one. The two are too dense to realize how they feel about each other. Silver should just propose. They aren't getting any younger.

I would like to congratulate you on your organization. I heard from Maidservant Rose that it is quite successful. I admire your dedication. But, again, a gentle reminder to relax and stay out of stress. Soon enough, you'll be back on your feet and ready to engage in battle. Who knows? Perhaps after you give birth you may finally join me on the front lines. I bet that all the people would retreat in fear of both of us. It's a chance for both of us to get to know each other's skills.

I am doing well here. We are winning this war, Angelique. The rebels they sent are being destroyed each time. Soon enough, peace will finally come. Peace will be the gift we give our child. I don't want him to grow up in a world filled with war just like you and I. I want a safe home for him.

Your Husband,

Prince Damien Cross

I closed the envelope, smiling sheepishly at Hera.

"What?" she asked curiously. "Please don't tell me you're falling!"

"Am not!" I said, pinching her arm. "I'm just... enjoying."

"Angelique, Queen Grea is coming your way on your left," she warned, whispering. She then left to go hide Alicent with Maidservant Rose.

"Princess," Grea greeted, taking a seat next to me.

I nodded in acknowledgment. "Queen Grea," I bowed lightly, "What brings you here?"

"The report," she says, "It is Monday."

"Ah," I nodded, "Do tell."

"Your father is wounded along with Richard and another King. They will return soon to rest here in the capital," she says carefully, as I clutched onto my stomach. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," I said worriedly.

"I do not wish to continue," she says, placing her hand on my belly. "I do not want to be the cause of the death of your child, Angelique."

"Continue!" I demanded.

Sighing, she did. "The men will remain on the battlefield while the Kings return to regain their strength. That's the only thing to report regarding your father. As for Damien, he continues to win every single battle thrown at him. He has completely cleared out the south. Soon, he'll be able to come home."

I couldn't tell why, but my heart seemed to have leaped inside me. Was I really excited that he's returning soon? No. I can't be.

"On the East, our armies still hold the rebels off. The same goes for the West," she continues, "Unfortunately for us, the leader of the rebels has recruited more and more people to his cause. I also heard that you may be requested to lead a division after you birth the child you're bearing. That's all I have for now."

I nodded, sighing. I'm finally being called into action. I should be relieved, but why do I feel like this? Like I can't go... I suppose it's because of the organization I built here. I need to finish this before leaving for the battlefield. Also, my child. I have to be ripped from him the moment I give birth.

"You should be happy," she says, "Your wish is being granted. But the question is, will you accept? From my perception, you could either accept it and become a warrior, or you stay and become pregnant again. It's your choice, Angelique."

"They cannot force me to have sex with Damien," I said, folding my arms over my chest.

"Yes," she agreed, "But can you keep your hands to yourself the minute he returns? You will crave his touch and by doing so, you will end up getting yourself pregnant. He would be delighted to have two children, of course. The sooner you conceive another, the stronger you appear. And of course, the glory he will receive is massive. It proves that his seed is strong."

I wanted to barf at her. I didn't feel comfortable talking to her about my husband's seed. This is disgusting. Not to mention that she's his stepmother.

"Once you marry, the only thing people see you as is an oven used for making children," she says bitterly, "It's a burden every woman has to carry." She then stood and bowed lightly. "I shall take my leave then, Princess. Also, I heard Maidservant Rose adopted a child. I am genuinely happy for her. She needs some happiness in her life."

"Goodbye," I waved patiently. Now, what do I do with this information? My father is wounded, huh? I wonder if he'll be alright. And what about King Richard? Will he be fine? If the unthinkable happens, It should mean that Damien and I will ascend the throne.