CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE:Tamed by love

Lord Nigel finally set off on his journey. After hours of riding, he arrived at his private castle. The servants bowed as he passed, and he acknowledged them with a slight nod.

As he walked through the castle, he came across Aria's mother, who immediately bowed. "My lord," she said.

Lord Nigel bowed slightly in response, and Aria's mother felt honored. "My lord, may I have a word with you?" she asked.

"Yes, of course," Lord Nigel replied.

Aria's mother was taken aback by his informal address, but she composed herself. "My lord, I must speak with you first," she said, leading him to the garden.

There, she hesitated before speaking. "My lord, Aria is...pregnant."

Lord Nigel's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" he exclaimed softly.

Aria's mother looked worried, her eyes filled with concern. "But, my lord, Aria doesn't want the baby. She wants to...get rid of it. Thank goodness you came; I fear she might have done something drastic. She seems determined to have nothing to do with you again. Just a few days ago, she told me she wants to leave this place."

Lord Nigel's face darkened with concern. "Take me to her," he said.

Aria's mother led him to Aria's chambers. When Lord Nigel opened the door, he found Aria sitting on the bed, staring blankly into space.

"Aria," he called out softly.

Aria Slowlt rose to her feet, shocked. "Lord Nigel," she called out.

"It's Nigel," he corrected her gently, walking closer.

"I know you've gone through a lot because of me," Lord Nigel said. "I'm sorry I didn't come earlier."

Aria's expression turned cold. "Lord Nigel, I don't want anything to do with you. I just want to leave. I'm tired."

Lord Nigel's eyes searched hers. "Did I do something wrong?"

Aria sighed. "You didn't do anything wrong, but I feel we don't belong in each other's worlds. You were born royal, and I...I'm not. What if everyone starts talking, and everything falls apart?" Tears welled up in her eyes.

Lord Nigel raised her chin, his voice filled with conviction. "I understand, but Aria, there's nothing you can do about it. I love you. That doesn't change any facts."

Aria's gaze locked onto his. "But one thing I hate is Davina flocking around you. What does she want?"

Lord Nigel's expression turned resolute. "If you tell me to get rid of her, I will. I'll do anything for you."

Aria shook her head, and Lord Nigel enveloped her in a warm hug. When they parted, he asked, "Is there anything you would like to tell me?"

Aria's eyes dropped, and she shook her head. "No, there's nothing...nothing at all."

Lord Nigel sighed, his eyes searching hers. "How long will you wait before telling me? Is it until you get rid of...it?"

Aria's expression changed to one of surprise, and she took a step back. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lord Nigel's eyes narrowed. "You know what I'm talking about," he said firmly, his gaze piercing as he awaited Aria's response.

Aria burst into tears, her body shaking with sobs. "I just feel this child will come into the world to suffer," she cried. "And I don't want him or her to go through that."

Lord Nigel wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Don't worry, everything will be fine," he whispered reassuringly. "I'm here for you, and I'll take care of you both. Don't even think about getting rid of it."

He hugged her tightly, trying to comfort her and ease her fears.

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Months had passed since King Ryker's demise, and a new monarch had ascended to the throne. A grand coronation ceremony had taken place, and the kingdom was still abuzz with the excitement of this new era.

****

In Ashwood, words ad spread like wildfire: Lord Miguel was expecting a child, and he was getting married. On the day of the grand celebration, the atmosphere was electric.

Lord Miguel, dashing in his formal attire, awaited his bride. Aria, radiant with joy, glowed with a subtle pregnancy glow. Her mother and Lady Charlotte were among the ladies who helped her prepare.

As the ladies styled Aria's hair and applied her makeup, Lady Charlotte adjusted her dress, beaming with happiness. "I'm beyond thrilled," Lady Charlotte exclaimed. "I can hardly believe this day has finally arrived."

*****

Davina, on the other hand, seethed with discontent. Her younger brother, Simon, had married and moved to another kingdom to live with his wife,davina felt neglected and ignored, as no one seemed to care about her anymore. Since she refused to listen to advice, everyone had given up on her, letting her do as she pleased.

Resentment burned within davina, and she vowed to sabotage the wedding, determined to cause chaos and destruction on what was supposed to be a joyous day.

***************

The palace in Ashwood overflowed with guests, all eager to witness the wedding ceremony of lord nigel. The news of his marriage and impending fatherhood had sent shockwaves throughout the kingdom, and everyone wanted to see it for themselves.

As the ceremony began, Aria emerged, looking stunning in her loose, flowing attire. She had chosen the outfit carefully, wanting to conceal her growing belly. As a shy person, she felt self-conscious about drawing attention to her condition.

Lord nigel,gave a discreet order to his guards, warning them to keep a close eye out for Davina, who was known to be desperate and capable of causing trouble.

Aria's mother beamed with joy, sitting among the nobility, chatting and laughing. She couldn't believe her daughter had married the Lord of Ashwood.

Just as the ceremony began, Davina stormed into the occasion, trying to cause a commotion. Fortunately, the guards quickly apprehended her, dragging her away to a cell in the courtyard to prevent further trouble.

The guests, remained focused on the celebration. The ceremony continued, and Lord Miguel and Aria were declared husband and wife. The guests cheered, and the festivities began.

Later, the guards informed Lord nigell that they had captured Davina, who had attempted to disrupt the wedding. Lord Miguel smiled, saying, "This is my day of joy. Leave her in the cell for now. I'll deal with her later."

Aria, concerned for their unborn child's safety, added, "That woman is trouble. Now that our son is on the way, I don't want anyone harming him."

"Shh! Don't worry, nothing Will happen"