Alpha Prime: Her Retribution

Chapter Fifty Three (Part II)

I was running down the gangplank, Adar was waiting for me at the pier. I threw myself at him, overjoyed at our reunion.

“I missed you” I whispered. He wrapped his arms around my waist, spinning me around, my gown billowing.

“I missed you too Meira, nothing shall ever separate us again.”

I hugged him again, closing my eyes as I felt the bond flare to life between us.

*******

The months went by in blissful harmony as Adar and I underwent the rigorous training and preparations to become King and Queen due to the King’s ailing health. Then the rumours started, maids lowering their voices as I passed, guards avoiding my gaze, courtiers faking concern, their smiles empty.

They defied the Moon goddess.

Perhaps this is her punishment.

Maybe they are not meant to have heirs.

They defied the Moon Goddess. They brought this on themselves.

They’ve been married for over a year now, still no heir. It’s unnatural.

*********

“Do you hear them?” I asked Adar one evening, my voice trembling as I stood by the window. “The things they say about us?”

Adar looked up from where he sat, his jaw tightening. He had heard them too, how could he not? The court was rife with speculation, and even his most trusted advisors had begun to tread carefully around the subject of an heir.

“They’re just words,” he said, though his tone betrayed his anger. “They don’t matter.”

“They matter to me,” I whispered, turning to face him. “They think we’re cursed, Adar. That the Moon goddess will never bless us with a child because of what we did.”

Adar crossed the room in quick strides, pulling me into his arms.

“They don’t know anything,” he said fiercely. “You are my mate, Meira. That is the only truth that matters. The rest, they’re just fools grasping at shadows.”

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

I walked the length of my chambers, heart pounding. The rumours had gotten worse, I had tried to ignore them, to block out the talks of curses and divine punishments but it was impossible. I paused, closing my eyes as a wave of nausea passed through me, lately I had been feeling more fatigued, I had tried to attribute it to stress, the unending pressure of court life and the blasted rumours that refused to die.

Could it be?

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts and I crossed over, opening it to reveal the healer I had sent for, I ushered the woman inside, my hands trembling slightly. The healer’s examination was thorough but brief.

“My Princess,” the healer said softly “You are with child.”

The words hung in the air, for a moment, I couldn’t process them. I stared at the healer, my mind racing.

With child

My hands moved instinctively to my abdomen.

A child. There was life growing within me.

Tears welled in my eyes, a mix of overwhelming joy and relief. The rumors, the doubts, the whispers of a curse... this would silence them all. Adar and I were not cursed, we had not been forsaken.

Adar.

I rose, my emotions threatening to spill over. I needed to tell him. I ran out of the room, ignoring the healer’s calls and the looks of passing maids, guards and courtiers. I followed our bond to the study, where he was with his father. His head bent over a map of the kingdom. My heart swelled, he looked up as I entered, his brow furrowing at the sight of my tear-streaked face.

“Meira, what is it?” he asked, concerned, lacing his voice as he crossed the room to me. I took his hands, placing them gently over my stomach.

“Adar,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “We’re going to have a child.”

For a moment, he simply stared at me, as though the words didn’t make sense. Then his eyes widened, and a slow smile spread across his face.

“A child?” he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, tears streaming freely now.

“A child.”

Adar let out a breathless laugh, pulling me into his arms and spinning me around.

“Oh thank Eda, a child,” he murmured into my hair, his voice filled with wonder. “Meira, this is... this is everything.”

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

I woke suddenly, my breath hitching as a sharp pain tore through my abdomen. My shaky hands moved the blankets away, the sight of blood made my heart stop. Panic surged through me, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"Adar!" I screamed. He was there within moments, his hair disheveled, eyes wide with terror.

"Meira!" he rushed to my side as I curled up, clutching my stomach.

"Something's wrong," I whispered, tears streamed down my face. "Adar... the baby..."

His hands hovered over me,

“GUARDS!!! GET THE HEALER AND MY MOTHER!!!” His voice was hoarse with desperation. The healer and Adar’s blood mother appeared within minutes. Adar’s blood mother grabbed my hand as I cried out in pain while the healer worked. The maids tried to usher Adar out of the room but he refused, clutching my other hand.

The hours that followed were a blur of pain and fear. My cries echoed in the room as the healer worked tirelessly, murmuring prayers and incantations, when it was over, the healer’s solemn expression said everything.

"I’m sorry, Princess Meira. The child..." He hesitated, swallowing hard. "...is gone."

My sobs filled the room as I clung to Adar, my tears soaking his tunic. He held me tightly, his own tears streaming silently down his face.

"I’m here," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I’m here, Meira. I won’t let go."

**********

I stood next to Adar and his blood mother as his father, King Alaric was gently lowered into the tomb next to Adar’s birth mother. I slipped my hand into Adar’s squeezing gently, trying to offer as much support as I could, he squeezed back, his form shaking slightly as he tried to project a strong front in front of the people… his people.

I glanced over at the other wolf kings who were present, my eyes meeting my father’s, he gave me a warm comforting smile which I returned, the rest on the other hand remained cold towards us, it was no secret that they despised Adar and I’s union, though Adar and I had never directly witnessed their disdain until now, we knew about it, our parents had whispered about it when they thought we weren’t paying attention and now with King Alaric’s death, I knew one of our main shields was gone and we would have to deal with their hate.

Pushing the thoughts out of my mind, I focused on the burial, just as the tomb was sealed, closing my eyes, I whispered a small prayer.

Oh Moon goddess, take care of my father-in-law

Adar remained strong as the people paid respect to him, his jaw clenched, eyes hard as he nodded. My father led the wolf king’s procession and he stopped in front of Adar, raising a hand and placing it on Adar’s shoulder.

“Be strong son, it hurts losing a pillar but remember him by the lessons he imparted on you and not his absence.” he uttered, Adar’s gaze softened and he nodded.

“Thank you, King Charles.”

The rest of the Wolf Kings mumbled half hearted condolences before leaving. Only when we were alone in our chambers did Adar finally break down, his sobs echoing as he held onto me.

“It will be fine Adar, I promise, everything will be fine.”

*******

The great hall was alive with the hum of anticipation. Nobles and commoners alike crowded the space, their eyes fixed on the dais where two ornate thrones stood side by side. Adar’s blood mother and my parents were seated in the forefront.

I stood at the base of the dais, my hand entwined with Adar’s, he glanced at me, his eyes warm and steady.

“You’re trembling,” he murmured, leaning in close so only I could hear.

“So are you.”

He chuckled softly as we ascended the stairs. The Moon Priest stood at the top, his robes flowing like liquid gold. Behind him, two younger priests stood, each holding a crown. One gleaming with the fire of rubies, the other adorned with moonstones. He raised his arms, calling for silence.

“Today, we honor the ascension of a king and queen,” he said, his voice echoing through the hall, Adar knelt first, his head bowed. The Moon Priest placed the crown on his head.

“Arise, King Adar, protector of Eldoria and servant of the people.”

He rose, his posture strong and regal. His gaze met mine, pride and love echoing through them, I smiled and he smiled back, I knelt, the cold stone of the dais grounding me as the Moon Priest stepped forward.

“Meira,” he said, his voice softer now, “you have shown strength of spirit and purity of heart. As you take your place beside your mate, may you guide this kingdom with wisdom and grace.”

I closed my eyes as the crown settled on my head, and for a moment, the room seemed to fade. All I could hear was the thrum of my own heartbeat.

“Arise, Queen Meira,” He declared.

I stood, the weight of the crown both heavy and light. Beside me, Adar extended his hand, and as our fingers intertwined, the hall erupted into cheers.

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

The morning sun poured through the wide windows of the castle’s eastern wing, painting my room in soft, golden hues. I sat by the window, gazing at the gardens below. Two years had passed since Adar and I ascended the throne and it had been three years since my miscarriage, the rumours continued to swirl around the halls and corridors of the castle. Adar’s blood mother had been a constant companion to me when Adar wasn’t near. I knew of his advisers plan, they wanted to find his true mate, though I was his mate and queen, they wanted to find her so she could at least bear him an heir. Adar strongly opposed but I knew it was a matter of time before the pressure got to him.

I sighed as my maids attended to me, helping me into a light gown for the day. I had been feeling unusually tired lately. It was probably due to the royal duties. One of the maids fastened the sash around my waist.

“Your Majesty,” the maid said hesitantly, her hand lingering around my waist “if I may… you look a bit different lately.”

I glanced up in surprise, my brows furrowing slightly. “Different?”

Another maid, who was arranging a delicate gold chain around my neck, chimed in.

“Your face, my queen. There’s a glow about you. And your—” she hesitated, glancing nervously at the others before continuing, “your figure seems… softer.”

The first maid nodded, her eyes wide.

“Yes, that’s it! You seem… fuller, if I may be so bold.”

I stiffened slightly, my hands moving instinctively to her midsection. The maids’ words echoed in my mind, stirring a sense of déjà vu. Adar’s blood mother had made similar comments, three years ago, during my first pregnancy. My heart began to race.

I forced a smile, a soft laugh escaping my lips as I dismissed their remarks.

“Perhaps I’ve just been eating too many honey cakes,” I said lightly, though my mind was a chaotic mess. As soon as they finished dressing me and left the room, I moved to stand in front of the full-length mirror, my hands trembling as I pressed them to my abdomen. A knock broke through my thoughts.

“Come in,” I whispered. Adar stepped in, his eyes softening when they met mine.

“Adar, I…” My voice broke, he walked over, his hand covered hers.

“What is it? Are you okay?”

I took a deep breath,

“I think I’m with child again.”

He froze.

“Y-You’re certain?”

I nodded, tears pooling in my eyes.

“The maids… they made mention of some changes and now that I realize, I have not had a heat cycle in a while.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke until he pulled me into his arms.

“I’m terrified, Adar. W-what if…” My tears spilled over as I held onto him. He pulled back and cupped my face, his eyes on mine.

“No ‘what ifs.’ We will protect this child, Meira, I give you my word.”

He rested his hand over mine on my stomach.

“You’re carrying a piece of us, Meira. Whatever comes, we will face it together.”

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

The room was a haze of movement and noise, but all I could focus on was the searing pain ripping through my body. My fingers dug into the sheets as another contraction overtook me, and I bit back a scream, the effort leaving me trembling.

“Breathe, my Queen,” one of the midwives urged, her voice gentle. I could hear them, bustling around me, but it was all muted compared to the roaring in my ears. The fiery pain in my body made it hard to focus on anything else.

Except, Adar.

He knelt by my side, his hand firm around mine, his crimson eyes filled with a mixture of worry and awe. The midwives had grown tired of trying to make him leave the room after he had threatened to banish them from the kingdom.

“You’re incredible, Meira,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. His calm steadied me, even as another contraction made me cry out. The doors creaked open, and Adar’s blood mother made her way in.

“Mother,” Adar said, glancing back at her. I felt her cool, soothing hand on my forehead a moment later.

“You are strong, Meira,” she said gently, her voice full of warmth. “You can do this.”

I nodded weakly, tears streaming down my face.

“It... it’s so much,” I admitted, my voice cracking.

“It always is,” she said. “But when you hold your child, it will all be worth it.”

Her words gave me the strength I didn’t know I needed, I wanted to see my baby, I wanted to hold my child.

“Your Majesty, the baby is crowning. One more push, and you’ll meet your child.” The midwife’s voice cut through the haze.

One more.

I gritted my teeth, gripping Adar’s hand. His voice was steady in my ear, a low chant of encouragement and love.

“You’ve got this, Meira. Just a little more. You’re almost there.”

With every ounce of strength left in my body, I bore down and gave a final push, a scream tearing from my throat. For a second, everything was still.

Then, a piercing wail filled the air.

My body slumped back against the pillows, exhaustion crashing over me like a tidal wave. The sound of my baby crying broke through the haze of pain, suddenly, nothing else mattered.

“Your Majesty, It’s a boy!” the midwife uttered.

I craned my neck, my arms aching to hold him, as the midwife came over, the tiny, wriggling bundle in her arms. She leaned closer, carefully, placing the baby in my arms.

The moment his tiny body rested against mine, a sob broke free from my chest. He was so small, so perfect, with his dark hair and scrunched-up face. His cries softened as I cradled him, his warmth grounding me in a way nothing else ever had.

“He’s perfect,” I whispered, my voice trembling. I looked up at Adar, tears streaming down my face. “Adar, look at him. He’s perfect.”

He leaned closer, his large hand brushing over the baby’s head.

“He’s more than perfect,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “He’s everything.”

“What will you name him?” Adar's blood mother asked.

I met Adar’s gaze, and in that shared moment, we both knew.

“Alduin,” he said firmly.

“Alduin,” I echoed, looking down at my son.

Our son.