It has been five weeks since Rainnaly slept with the prince. The real reason she was in his room was not because she heard his goblet shatter; it was because she overheard him plotting the assassination of the King. In that moment, she wanted to alert the monarch about the treachery brewing within his own bloodline. Yet, as a mere chambermaid, she feared that no one would believe her—and that she might pay the ultimate price for speaking against the crown.
On a fateful day, as she made her way to visit her parents, the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over her path. However, that warmth quickly dissipated when she reached their front door, and her world faded to black. Upon regaining consciousness, she found herself in the town's magical physician's office, being examined by the esteemed Physician Penick. Her parents, Drason and Beverly, hovered with worry etched across their faces.
"Ah! Miss Rainnaly, you are awake. I believe congratulations are in order. The reason you collapsed is that you are a little malnourished and… you are with child," Physician Penick announced, his smile brightening the somber atmosphere.
Her parents erupted in joy, embracing her tightly. "Thank you, Physician Penick! If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know," they exclaimed, their relief palpable.
"There is no need for repayment. Us common folk must stick together. Now you, young lady, should eat more and get lots of bed rest. You can still work, just don't overdo it. Come back to me in two weeks for another checkup," he advised, his tone warm and reassuring.
As Rainnaly and her parents left the physician's office, they reveled in the thought of having a grandchild. Yet, oblivious to the turmoil brewing within Rainnaly, her heart was heavy with dread.
Once the shock subsided, her thoughts spiraled out of control. She was pregnant with the child of a prince who harbored dark intentions. "What will happen to me? What will happen to my child?" The weight of her situation pressed down upon her.
"I must tell the king," she resolved, her determination crystallizing. "I can't let Prince Jamtoe's plans come to fruition. If I don't act, both my child and the kingdom may be in grave danger."
Her mother's gentle voice broke through her thoughts. "My dear, are you okay? Also, who is the father of your child?" Beverly asked, concern etched across her features as she studied her daughter's worried expression.
With tears in her eyes, Rainnaly recounted everything that had transpired. Shock and horror washed over her parents' faces as they absorbed the gravity of her situation.
"The Wolfect kingdom is no longer safe for us; we need to leave," Drason said, fear gripping his heart.
"Yes, Father. But I must speak to the king. I need to warn him," she insisted, urgency coloring her words.
"Rainnaly, you can't just waltz into the castle. You'll be thrown into the dungeons for speaking out against the crown," Drason cautioned, concern etched across his features.
"I have no choice. I'll find a way to get to him," she declared, her resolve unwavering. "I'll do it myself."
With tears in her eyes, Beverly hugged her daughter tightly. "I can't stop you from going, but if I let you go, this may be the last time I ever see you. Please, don't go. We can start over somewhere else," she pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry, dear Mother and Father, but this is something I must do," Rainnaly said, gently pushing her parents away before dashing off toward the castle.
Meanwhile, in the shadows of the kingdom of Wolfect, King Jamten continued to unravel the mystery of who sought to kill him, unaware of the treachery that lay within his own household. The weight of betrayal hung heavily over the castle, whispering secrets that would alter the course of their fates.
Jamten had spent countless nights searching for clues about the traitor in his midst. His instincts warned him that danger lurked close, but he couldn't pinpoint its source.
On a particularly cool evening, as he sat in his dimly lit study, a sudden knock echoed through the stillness. The door creaked open, revealing a cloaked figure shrouded in shadows. "Your Majesty," the figure spoke, their voice smooth yet laden with foreboding. "I bear news that may interest you."
The king's bodyguards stepped out of the shadows, their presence a protective barrier around him.
Jamten narrowed his eyes, his instincts on high alert. "Who are you? Speak quickly, or I shall have you thrown into the dungeons," he demanded, his heart racing with curiosity and caution.
The figure stepped forward, revealing herself as Rainnaly, a chambermaid he had often seen bustling about the castle.
With tears in her eyes, she gasped, "Your Majesty, I need to tell you something." Before she could say more, she collapsed to the ground, clutching her stomach.
Jamten rushed to her side, concern flooding his heart. "What happened? Speak to me!" he urged, lifting her head gently from the cold stone floor.
Rainnaly gasped for air, the weight of her revelation pressing heavily on her. "Y...you... Your... your son, Prince Jamtoe, is conspiring to have you killed," she breathed, her voice trembling.
Shock coursed through Jamten, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "Jamtoe? No, it cannot be!" he exclaimed, his mind struggling to grasp the gravity of her words.
"How do I know you are telling the truth? After all, you are but a maid," Jamten inquired suspiciously.
"I... I swear on the life of my unborn child," Rainnaly stammered, instinctively cradling her stomach. "I overheard him speaking through a crystal."
Jamten's heart raced. A whirlwind of thoughts engulfed him. He had suspected treachery from someone close, but his own son? "I need to verify your claim. If true, I shall not let him succeed in his treachery," he commanded, rising with renewed purpose.
"My lord! What should we do with her? Should we kill her?" one of the bodyguards, known as Guard Six, asked, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
"No! Absolutely not. She is carrying Jamtoe's child, which makes it my grandchild," Jamten replied, turning to Rainnaly with a soft smile, though his heart was heavy with uncertainty.
"Forgive me, Your Highness, but I... I fear you are mistaken," Rainnaly stammered, clutching her stomach protectively.
"Dear child, there's no reason to lie to me. I can sense my bloodline within you. You are young and innocent; just the type of woman my son would take advantage of," Jamten said, his frown deepening.
Rainnaly's eyes widened in shock, realizing the king knew her secret. She was carrying Prince Jamtoe's child, which would make it the grandchild of the king.
"What should I do? My child is going to be born of royal blood. Will they take it from me the day it's born?" she thought, holding her stomach more tightly.
Sensing her turmoil, Jamten quickly reassured her. "Do not worry, young lady. As long as I am here, no one will take your child from you."
"Now then! Tell me more of what you overheard," Jamten urged, kneeling beside her.
Rainnaly took a deep breath, her voice trembling. "I heard him speaking to someone named Dracula. He was told to figure out how to eliminate you himself."
Jamten pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "That foolish boy of mine has no idea what he's gotten himself involved with. However, this child shall be the key to getting him back on the right path. You must be hungry; come with me to the dining hall. Tonight, we shall have a feast," he said, a determined glint in his eye.
Meanwhile, Jamtoe plotted his next move in the darkened corners of the kingdom. The assassins were on their way, and he would soon have the power he craved. Returning home later that night with high spirits, he was halted by his father's presence.
"Where have you been all day? Wait, don't tell me—I don't want to know," Jamten said with a sigh, narrowing his eyes at his son.
"Father! I apologize; I was out in the tavern drinking," Jamtoe said nonchalantly, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Jamten frowned. "If that is all, I shall take my leave to my chambers," Jamtoe said, preparing to walk away.
"Wait! Before you go, I have chosen a wife for you," Jamten declared with a smile as he called Rainnaly to his side.
Jamtoe was momentarily stunned by his father's choice. "I trust you both know each other, as she is carrying your child. She is to be your wife."
"You foolish old man; do you really think I would marry a commoner harlot like her?" Jamtoe sneered, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "But since you are going to die soon, I will grant you this one request. However, when the time is right, I shall kill that bitch and her bastard child too," he thought to himself, a dark satisfaction washing over him.
"Very well, as you wish," Jamtoe responded with a fake smile as he took Rainnaly's hand and led her to his chambers.
As they left, Jamten's six bodyguards stepped out from the shadows, standing resolutely beside him.
"Your Highness, are you sure it is wise to let him leave without getting the truth?" one of the bodyguards, known as Guard Two, asked.
"Yes! For now, we shall just observe him. Like a wise man once said, 'Give someone enough rope, and they will hang themselves.' I just hope I am not putting that girl in danger, by having her keep and eye on that stupid boy of mine," Jamten replied, determination tightening his features.
In Jamtoe's chambers, he sought to indulge his desires once more. He ordered Rainnaly to remove her clothing and lie on the bed. Despite her fear of the prince, she complied.
"Since you are carrying my child, there is something you need to know about my family. We have the ability to transform into werewolves. I will show you. I'm going to transform now, so remember this is only me—do not be afraid," Jamtoe said with a sneer as he morphed into a towering six-foot werewolf.
Rainnaly's body shuddered as the massive figure loomed over her.
To be continued…...