Chapter 37: We know they would never risk their own child's life.

Damien's POV

It's been two weeks since my father told me about the secret they'd been keeping from me. Miraculously, he's been better. He even left his chambers for the first time since his bed rest. I suppose the speech we gave helped lift his spirits.

Today is the day of the hunt and everyone is to be there. All except for my wife, of course. She is confined to her bed chamber for the baby is due on any day. I don't feel as comfortable as I should leaving her behind at a time like this. I came all the way back from war to be with her when she gives birth, and now they tell me I have to attend some ridiculous hunt. This whole thing is just preposterous.

As I fixed the belongings I wished to bring, I heard Angelique enter the room. I turned to face her. She was holding her belly whilst making her way toward me and a bright cheery smile was spread about her face.

"Good morning," she bids, "I see you're busy packing. That looks a little light for a two-day trip, don't you think?"

I nodded, smiling back at her. "Well, the hunt isn't that far from your kingdom's borders, Angelique. I plan to come back home tonight and return to the hunt tomorrow."

"Nonsense," she shook her head in disapproval. "This hunt is a custom you must follow. You needn't worry about me, Damien. This was done many times before and the royals have always been safe. Will you bring Maidservant Rose and Alicent with you?"

"No," I replied, "I will feel more at ease if they stay with you." I walked closer, tucking her stray hair behind her ear. I cupped her face with my hands, keeping her eyes locked on mine. "Are you sure you will be alright?"

I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness. My mother was separated from me when she was pregnant with little Alicent. I can't go through that again. If anything happens to my own child, I don't know what I'll do. I most certainly won't do what my father did. I would kill anyone who would dare lay a finger on my family.

"Hey," she says, also putting her hands on my cheeks. "Nothing bad is gonna happen to me. I have guards here and the pearls are trained for this. Just go and don't worry. I don't think I'm giving birth any time soon. There should be at least another week."

"No," I said, "The doctors say any day now."

"Sh," she shushed me, "You are being paranoid, Damien. I am still the White Knight and I am more than capable of taking care of myself. Now, please go pack enough clothes. I will be fine."

"Alright," I agreed, pulling her into my arms. Angelique and I aren't married for love, but she seems to be precious to me. I suppose that's because she's the mother of my child. These "feelings" may bite me in the ass one day, but I don't know. I just can't picture anything bad happening to her at this moment. I just want to keep her and the baby safe.

"You're crushing me and the baby," she protested. She smiled upon my release, taking my hands into hers. "I will see you tomorrow, Damien." With that said, she disappeared.

I finished packing my things soon after and loaded them into the carriage. I made sure to meet with Alicent and Maidservant Rose before joining the others to leave.

"Brother," Alicent greets, curtsying in respect. "I'm sure you will have an amazing time there. Might I request you catch me a tiger cub if you see one? I would like to have a pet!"

I ruffled her hair, smiling down at her. "I will try my best to find you a pet," I said. I then turned to Maidservant Rose, taking her hands into mine. "This is ridiculous," I said to her, "Why must we join this ridiculous hunt? We're not even Whites; we're from House Cross. I should be here with my wife."

"And yet you claim that love will never be part of this marriage," she comments, holding my hands firmly. With a reassuring smile, she says, "My dear son, I assure you that nothing bad will happen to Angelique and your baby. Should the baby come earlier than expected, I will send you a telegram at once and attend to her myself. Now, you must be a good prince and join the others in this activity."

"You promise to look after her?" I asked. I r4esent myself for sounding like a lovestruck fool. This "caring" husband was once just a role I had to play. But now, everything is just... different. Did Angelique perhaps bewitch me? It could be a possibility. I don't feel like myself at all.

"I promise," Maidservant Rose assured me. "Now, run along now."

I nodded.

"Take care, brother," Alicent smiled, giving me a short hug.

I returned the gesture and hugged her back. "Watch over Angelique, will you?" I said, pinching her cheek lightly. "She is a stubborn lady, you know? I trust you'll take good care of her."

My sister gave me a salute before letting me go. I then left, meeting the others outside. Everyone was ready to go. I saw Jonah and his brother on horseback waiting for me.

"Gentlemen," I greeted them, mounting my horse. "Did I keep you all waiting?"

"Not exactly," King Jericho replied, "I believe King Dorian and Coraline are still making final arrangements in the palace. They need to make sure that your wife is safe since most of the guards are with us. She's left with a few doctors and female knights to protect her. All that is truly capable of fighting are with us."

"Excuse me?" I questioned, appalled by his statement. How the hell could Angelique's own parents trust the well-being of their daughter to just a few guards, especially at a time like this? This is completely atrocious!

"Don't scare him, brother," Jonah chimes in, "Angelique is not left with "just" guards. She's left with some who are known to be quite impressive warriors. We've known them for such a long time. We know they would never risk their own child's life."

"They literally made Angelique stay behind to cover for them during the previous war," Jericho argued, "She's nothing but a tool for them. She's not exactly the son they always wanted. She's just their "daughter"; nothing more."

I didn't think of it that way. I guess I'm not the only one who had a rough childhood. Angelique must've grown with that burden on her shoulders all her life. She's her parents' perfect soldier. I can't help but feel sorry for her.

Jonah sighed, shaking his head. "I offered to stay behind, but you told me to come," he groaned, "Angelique's our friend. I know I said that she's left with warriors, but I still can't help but feel like we should be here."

Jericho shook his head in disapproval. "Her own husband is coming with us, Jonah," he says, "It wouldn't look good on your part if you stayed behind to be with her. Not to mention you're engaged to Hera who is actually attending the hunt with us."

"Actually, this time, I wouldn't take offense if you stayed behind," I tell Jonah, "I've seen you in battle. I think it would be best if you stayed behind to protect her from any possible attack."

Jonah nodded in response. "Then it is settled," he said, "I shall stay behind."

"No," Jericho disagreed, "I'm sorry, Damien, but Jonah needs to come with us. He's engaged and staying behind to be with Angelique is not a good look on his part."

I sighed, accepting my defeat. I can't be angry with Jericho for keeping his brother from staying. "I suppose I should congratulate you, Jonah," I said as we started riding. "But I must say that I think you are too young to be marrying. Don't you want to enjoy what the world has to offer you before tying the knot?"

Jericho laughed, shaking his head. "You forget, Damien," he says, "He can always take mistresses. By the way, do you have one yet? Angelique is my friend and all, but I am curious if you've gotten a mistress yet."

"No," I replied, "I haven't taken one as of now. I did have a few women while we were on the front lines. Did Jonah mention he lost his virginity there?"

"You did?" Jericho almost fell off his horse from laughing. "Why didn't you tell me? Did you find it too immoral? Of course, you did. I forgot how "good" you are. You even swore to do it only once you marry."

"Shit," I cussed, "Is that why you decided to propose to Hera?"

Jonah rode faster, leaving Jericho and me. He was red in annoyance. It didn't take too long for us to reach our destination. It was a three-hour ride from the capital, but the place was serene. There were plenty of trees and animals. They say that there is also a stream near here and a waterfall that's perfect to bathe in. It's a shame that Angelique's not here. I think she'd enjoy hunting with us. I heard she enjoyed hunting whenever she could. They say she caught stags more than once.

"Beautiful day, isn't it, son?" my father said, putting his hand over my shoulder. "Are you excited to hunt?"

"Frankly, I didn't want to be here, father," I admitted, "It doesn't feel right to be away from Angelique."

"You'll get used to it," King Dorian joined in. "I, too, had to be part of the hunt whenever my wife was pregnant. By God's grace, we had Angelique. I'm sure Angelique and the baby will be fine back home."

"How are you sure?" I asked.

"I just am," he replied, patting my shoulder. He then proceeded to go off with my father talking about nonsense. I could care less about the rubbish they talk about. I know they're just faking it anyway. They don't actually like each other's company. they're only doing this to show the people that we're at peace.

Grea, my stepmother, snaked her arm around my arm. "Worried about your wife?" she asked.

"What is it to you?" I say coldly.

"Well," she says, "I'm just worried, you know? After all, you did go through a lot of trauma with your own mother's pregnancy. Anyway, everything's fine now since you found your long-lost sister."

"You had something to do with my mother's death, didn't you?" I arched a brow, fighting the urge to hit this despicable woman.

Her smirk grew wider as she continued, "My dear son, I had nothing to do with Alicent's death. But, I am aware that her stomach was cut open when she died. I saw her corpse myself and I knew that the child was stolen. Believe it or not, I looked for that baby. Unfortunately, I had no luck. You, however, found her, did you not? Alicent is your sister, right? She is the spitting image of Alicent Strong."

She knows that I know who Alicent is then. I suppose she already made a plan to escape the consequences of what she has done. I will make sure she pays for everything. I swore it on my mother's grace.

"Why so quiet, Damien?" she taunts, "Are you surprised I found that out? Anyone could figure it out, really. She has your mother's face and hair, and she's eleven years old. Now, when will you introduce her to your father? I would gladly make the arrangement."

I felt my hands balling into fists. Thank God Silver interrupted our conversation.

"Son, help me set up our gear," he says, pulling me along with him. I happily obliged, leaving the old hag alone. I've been stressed enough today; I don't need that hag adding to it.

"Thank you, Silver," I said.

"I saw your balled fists," he pointed, "I won't have you lay a hand on the queen."

"That queen is the she-devil," I said through gritted teeth, "She knows we know about Alicent. She already has the plan to clear her name to the king. We need to escalate our plans to introduce Alicent to my father."

"Of course," he nodded, "Let's just get through these two days and get you home tomorrow. I know how anxious you are about Angelique's situation."

I nodded. I should be calm. Everyone told me that my wife and child is safe... But why do I feel like something bad is gonna happen? Am I just paranoid, or, is there something truly happening behind the scenes? God forbid anything to happen to my wife and child. I will make sure hell will rain down on earth.