King's Consort (Book 1)

Chapter II

King Alaric's POV

March 11th, 1479

The morning sun cast its warm glow through the open windows, a gentle reminder of the day’s beginning. My butler, Holden, roused me from my slumber with a tray of fresh fruits and vegetables. “Thank you, Holden,” I said, as he bowed slightly and withdrew.

“Inform the maids that I shall attire myself in solitude. I crave a moment of tranquility,” I instructed him, and he nodded before leaving. The constant presence of maids can be wearisome; their incessant chatter and dramatic concerns often prove bothersome.

Once I had dressed, I prepared myself for yet another council meeting. “Should the princess seek me, tell her I am engaged with council affairs and shall not be disturbed,” I instructed a guard, who acknowledged my command.

Entering the council chamber, my advisors were assembled around the grand table, their expressions grim as they awaited my arrival. Despite the recent proclamation of Princess Desislava’s pregnancy, unrest still simmered within the kingdom.

“Your Majesty,” one of the councilmen began with a bow. “There are murmurs concerning your fidelity. It is said that you have taken a mistress.”

“The rumors are baseless,” I replied curtly. “What of my fidelity? I have not fathered any children with my mistresses, nor do I intend to.”

“But it is not merely your conduct that concerns us,” Lord Bran interjected. “It is also how you treat the princess. The common folk perceive your actions as lacking in genuine commitment.”

“I treat her as is fitting,” I retorted. “The populace should be silent. They are, after all, a poor lot.”

The council exchanged uneasy glances. Lord Bran cleared his throat, attempting to defuse the tension. “The people desire to see their king wholly devoted to his queen, not merely in duty but in spirit. It would be prudent to publicly affirm your support for Princess Desislava.”

I clenched my jaw, struggling to contain my irritation. The council’s demands had become increasingly burdensome since my ascension to the throne.

“I shall consider your advice,” I said tersely, rising from my seat. The council members looked at one another with apprehension but remained silent. I departed the chamber, my thoughts racing.

Princess Desislava’s POV

The garden was tranquil this morning, with only the gentle rustling of leaves accompanying my footsteps. I strolled along the stone path, my hand resting lightly on my abdomen. Though it was early to feel any change, I envisioned the life within me, hoping it would secure my position as queen.

Yet, Alaric’s detachment troubled me. His announcement of the pregnancy had been delivered with formality and devoid of warmth. It seemed as though the news of our child was merely another obligation to him.

The thought twisted within me. Did he harbor resentment? Or was there another reason?

“Your Highness,” a soft voice called, interrupting my contemplation. I turned to see Sofia, one of my ladies-in-waiting, approaching with a basket of fresh flowers. “The people rejoice at the news of your pregnancy. They believe you shall bear the king a strong heir.”

I forced a smile, though it did not reach my eyes. “Thank you, Sofia. I hope to fulfill the kingdom’s hopes.”

As she curtsied and departed, I continued my walk through the garden, my mind troubled by doubts.

I overheard a whispered conversation among the servants, their words sending a shiver down my spine.

“I hear the king is often seen wandering the city at night…”

“For whom?”

“They say it is a woman. Someone from his past.”

The thought chilled me. Could it be that Alaric’s affections were already claimed by another? I clenched the rose I had plucked from the bush, resolving to uncover the truth. I could not allow any rival to threaten my future or that of our child.

I was carrying the future of this kingdom within me, and I would not permit anything or anyone to endanger that.

King Alaric's POV

“Your Majesty, King Drogo has arrived to see you unexpectedly,” announced my guard. I sighed. Of course, he would come. With his daughter’s condition and the persistent rumors, it was to be expected.

“King Drogo,” I greeted with a respectful bow. “King Alaric,” he returned the gesture.

“So, the rumors are true then? Your infidelity, your mistress, and my daughter’s pregnancy?” he inquired.

‘The news has traveled all the way to his kingdom?’ I thought.

“I know naught of any infidelity or mistresses. What I do know is that your daughter is bearing my heir, and the kingdom prays it will be a healthy boy,” I replied.

“I pray so as well. But why are these rumors circulating?” he pressed.

“The maids, I presume. They take delight in weaving tales and spreading discord,” I said, though I knew it was only part of the truth.

“Is it the maids who twist the truth?” he asked, still skeptical.

“Aye, they are ever prone to such mischief. Even in my father’s time, rumors were spun by them, though I scarcely remember as I was but a child,” I explained.

“I recall such a rumor,” he said. “May I have a glass of wine?”

“Of course,” I said, signaling a maid to fetch him some.

“The wedding is scheduled for the week after next?” he asked.

“Aye, but we are considering advancing it to Monday. We wish not for Desislava to appear heavily pregnant at the altar,” I responded.

“Hm,” was his only reply. “I shall take my leave. Thank you for the conversation.”

I sighed in relief as he departed. At least he had not pressed further.

The gossip and unrest are troubling. It is but midday, and already things seem to be unraveling.

Princess Desislava’s POV

I sat in our chamber, composing a letter to my father:

Dear Father,

I trust this letter reaches you in good order. If you have heard, I am with child, and I am certain you are pleased that your scheme is progressing. Alas, your machinations have reached me.

I have heard whispers of Alaric’s involvement with another, and I fear she may pose a threat. Yet, I am the one bearing his heir, not her. I carry his son, and it is this fact that shields me.

I find myself blinded by emotion, much as you once spoke of your own experiences. I can only hope this child is born healthy, and that no other woman can disrupt our future.

I wish I could say more, but I shall leave it at this.

From your daughter and future Queen, Desislava

“Desislava?” Alaric’s voice called, and I quickly sealed the letter in an envelope.

“Yes?” I replied sweetly.

“How fares the child?” he asked, placing his hand on my still-flat stomach.

“Quite well, I believe. I am not showing as yet, and I only learned of my condition yesterday,” I answered.

He nodded and lay down without further comment. I summoned a maid to find someone to deliver my letter.

Should that other woman cross my path, she will not fare well.

King Alaric's POV

March 15th, 1479

The days have been tumultuous. Desislava nearly lost the child, which led me to reprimand her before the council in a fit of anger. I humiliated her publicly, and though I feel some remorse, it was necessary. The future of our kingdom was at stake.

Celestina remains silent for now, which is a small relief.

The common people and the council continue to be a source of irritation. The wedding has been advanced, which I welcome.

Today’s council meeting was as dull as ever, filled with the usual mix of joy over the pregnancy and the citizens’ complaints.

Princess Desislava’s POV

I gazed out the window of our chambers, reflecting on the public humiliation I endured. Alaric had demanded support, which I provided, yet now I am merely a figure of ridicule.

Flashback:

During the council meeting, Alaric had lost his temper when I fainted due to stress and fatigue. His fury was evident as he berated me in front of the assembled nobles. “How dare you jeopardize the future of the kingdom!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber. “Your irresponsibility has endangered our heir!”

His words were harsh and public, and I stood there, exposed and belittled, while the council watched in shocked silence. The humiliation was complete, and I could feel the eyes of the court upon me, their whispers adding to my distress.

“That shall not be forgotten,” I resolved silently. “I will show what happens when one crosses me.”

Celestina Rolfe POV

I find myself entangled in a fate not unlike that of my mother. Once more, I bear the burden of being a bastard child of a king, a mistress to a man who seems to take solace in fleeting pleasures rather than true commitment.

Each passing day feels heavier. I am consumed by the guilt of my actions, knowing the pain I inflict upon my friend, Desislava. Yet, my options are limited: it is either serve as a mistress or face death. I cling desperately to life, despite the cost.

Avoiding Alaric has grown increasingly difficult. He seems inexorably drawn to me, and though I am repulsed by his attentions, his presence is impossible to escape. Desislava, meanwhile, carries his child—an heir to the throne. The irony and cruelty of this situation weigh heavily upon me.

I am tormented by the thought of what the people would say if the truth were to be revealed. My status as a mere maid and illegitimate offspring would render my claims dismissed and ridiculed. I would rather face death than witness the anguish in Desislava's eyes or suffer the disgrace of exposure.

I can only hope that a better future awaits, though it seems increasingly elusive.

Princess Desislava’s POV

I find myself at a loss, drowning in uncertainty. It is as though the love I once believed existed between us has vanished. The same man who showed such fervor when conceiving our child now seems distant and indifferent.

The accident, the public humiliation—how could I possibly support a man who behaves so coldly? His actions have made me question his suitability as both a king and a father.

Yet, here I am, trapped by my own thoughts. I must guard my words carefully, for speaking such treason could mean my death. Though whispers among the maids persist, speaking of the mystery woman.

Who could she be? At this point, her identity matters little to me. My focus remains on the child I carry—the future heir to the throne. I will ensure that this baby secures its place as the rightful king, no matter the personal cost.

King Alaric's POV

It is now night time, and it's time for me to retire. Desislava is already asleep; I had already figured that out. I undressed and finally fell into the comfort of my chamber.

It's going to be hectic since I will marry her. Now that people are ready after the truth or know the truth, it will be even more difficult to keep it from her.

Especially if I do not want to lose the baby. That baby is supposed to be king and my only heir to the throne unless I have to remarry.

Let me just hope things can at least go well for a couple of weeks, a whole couple of years!

But I figure out that it is probably not going to happen. Especially when I don't know what is coming.

As I lay there, staring at the ceiling of my chambers, the weight of everything began to press down on me. The whispers, the rumors—how long could I keep them at bay? My kingdom thrives on gossip, and the courtiers have nothing better to do than meddle in my affairs. With Desislava growing suspicious, Celestina’s presence becoming harder to conceal, and the council's eyes always upon me, I feel trapped in a web of my own making.

I could almost hear my father’s voice echoing in my mind, his lessons on ruling, on maintaining power. He had been a formidable king, commanding respect and fear, and I was expected to follow in his footsteps. But he never prepared me for this—the constant scheming, the delicate balance between my desires and my duties. He had his own mistresses, surely, but he never had to face the kind of scrutiny I do now.

Celestina. The thought of her brings an unexpected pang of guilt. She’s just a maid, someone who should never have caught my eye. But the attraction between us is undeniable, and though I know I should end it, I can't seem to stay away. She’s nothing like Desislava—soft, quiet, unassuming. And now that Desislava is with child, I feel myself drifting even further away from her.

But Desislava carries my heir, and that must be my priority. The future king lies within her, and I cannot afford to risk anything happening to him. A male heir is what the kingdom needs, and I have to ensure his safety, even if it means pretending that all is well between us. Even if it means pushing Celestina away, no matter how much I desire her.

The shadows in the room seem to grow deeper as I think of the challenges ahead. The marriage is only days away now, and once Desislava becomes queen, the expectations will be even greater. I can already see the council breathing down my neck, the pressure to rule with strength, to make decisions for the good of the kingdom.

I turn on my side, attempting to quiet my mind. But sleep doesn’t come easily, not with so many thoughts swirling around. I feel the weight of the crown even as it sits on a stand across the room, a constant reminder of the responsibility that comes with it.

The kingdom’s future rests on my decisions, on my ability to navigate the treacherous waters of politics, loyalty, and ambition. And yet, as I close my eyes, I can't shake the feeling that something terrible is lurking just beyond the horizon—something that threatens to unravel everything I’ve worked for.

Only time will tell if I can keep this fragile balance in place.