Chapter 1: A Family or A Court?

On a warm, sunny day Vincent, King Winston, and Queen Lillian gather at the royal castle for lunch. King Winston officially named it Castle of Magidge in honor of his ancestors after recent renovations that have turned it into a symbol of the kingdom's new prosperity. The three of them are also joined by Selena, Vincent's recently married wife. Together they sit in one of the gardens behind the castle.

Lillian brings her cup to her lips as King Winston and Vincent share a laugh. The four of them are seated around a wooden, round table. Lillian sits on one side of King Winston while Vincent and Selena sit on his other side.

"How has Ryanah and Hugo been, Vincent?", Lillian asks, turning to him.

"They've been doing well. Actually, they may have a child on the way around the same time as you and King Winston.", Vincent answers her before taking a bite of his biscuit. King Winston's eyes widen.

"Really? That's great! Perhaps our little one will have someone to play with after all?", he says as a slight jab at Vincent and Selena. He reaches a hand over to gently rub Lillian's swelling belly. She smiles at him.

"Ha ha, very funny.", Vincent responds sarcastically, catching his friend's true intentions.

"In our defense it hasn't been long since we've married.", Selena says coming to her and her husband's defense.

"Nearly a month now.", Lillian clarifies.

She looks at Selena and gives her an encouraging look. The two have become good friends over the years especially since they both can share the same opinions of their husbands. Lillian also found Selena to be an enjoyable person to be around. Which has been helpful since Malinda married Sir Jamonson and not been around her as much as before.

"I'm sure it won't be long before you two are welcoming your first child. There's no rush for you unlike other people.", Lillian tells Selena, offering her own jab to her and King Winston's positions. A look of discomfort appears on his face. There were just some royal expectations he couldn't escape. He and Lillian needed to produce heirs quickly and three years have already passed.

"Alright, alright enough of all that.", Vincent speaks trying to bring an end to the jabs everyone is taking. Lillian looks to Selena who rolls her eyes.

"The peacekeeper.", they both say in unison. Vincent's eyes widen at their words. The awkward moment soon comes to an end when King Winston burst out in laughter. Everyone else soon follows as the sound of song birds seem to join them.

......…..

"Remember not to strain yourself, okay? Is the morning sickness getting any better?", Selena asks Lillian as she and Vincent say their farewells to Lillian and King Winston respectively. They stand in the forum of the castle.

A new addition during the renovations, it boasts a double barrel arch ceiling. It is only seen inside due to the slanted roof style used on the outside. Arched, glass windows line the hall and lead to the polished, oak, double doors that lead to the rest of the castle. Between the windows and on the double doors hang tapestries displaying the royal family's crest.

"I will, don't worry and the morning sickness has actually passed. Thank God.", Lillian replies with a smile. "Just four more months and then I'll get my reward for all this work."

"Yes and it's the most important work only a woman can do.", Selena says sweetly. Lillian's eyes become half closed and she looks to the floor.

"I'm still a little worried though. Sure everything has been going well as far as no complications or anything, but I still can't help but feel…", Lillian trails off. Her voice is weak with worry.

"Hey now, don't talk like that.", Selena says sympathetically lifting her friend's head up to look her in the eye. "You'll never be able to go on in your life happily like that. God has forgiven you for what you did and you need to forgive yourself. Let it go."

Lillian looks to her friend and knows she is right. She had told Selena about her past actions before. Back when she had learned of Rosalinda's fate after her time at Argon's mansion. Lillian had released a box of rats on Rosalinda to disfigure her thus ensuring that she would become King Winston's wife.

Rosalinda's father, Argon, then threatened her life and she and her mother fled. What happened to them after is still unknown and Lillian has still been unable to let go of the fact that it was her fault even though it's been four years now.

"I just feel that I won't get away with it without some kind of repercussion.", Lillian admits to her friend.

"I can't say if you will or won't, honestly.", Selena tells her gently. "I just don't see God taking it out on the child he has blessed you with though.", Selena says taking Lillian's hands comfortingly.

Lillian guesses her friend could be right and she chooses to let her words into her mind. She smiles at Selena as best she can muster in thanks. Selena nods her head encouragingly and understandingly.

"Alright, we better get moving.", Lillian hears Vincent's voice approaching behind her. She releases Selena's hands and turns to Vincent giving him a hug of farewell.

"You both stay safe now." , Lillian tells them. King Winston comes up to stand beside her.

"You too.", Vincent says with a nod.

"May God be with you, your majesties.", Selena says as they turn around.