The King’s Prisoner

Chapter 20

Four weeks later...

Adrian 

     I spent a lot of time with Tori this last month and she's a fresh breath of air. So far, I haven't seen or spoken to my mother or Jasper. But I had this feeling that they were just buying their time. I don't know the true reason behind my family's betrayal or the reason why Jasper wants this crown so bad, but I do know that I would do whatever it takes to keep Tori and that crown safe. This would be easy if this falls in our favor. Becoming King again would be a miracle.  In a way, I hope that Tori is pregnant, not to replace her daughter, but because I think she would have some type of joy in her life again and I wouldn't mind having a family with her. Today was the day we find out if she's pregnant. The emperor will be here in the afternoon with doctor that will perform a blood test on Tori. I made it known that I didn't want my mother or brother around her. 

"Your Majesty, I checked everywhere and there is no sign of your mother or brother," Henry said. 

"Good. How is Tori?" I asked. I had to run some errands before everything took place. She was still asleep when I got out of her bed. I stood there admiring her beauty. Every since she opened up about her daughter's death, she seemed more relaxed. I planted a soft kiss on her cheek and left. I've questioned myself a thousand times about my feelings for Tori. I knew that from the moment I saw her, that she was going to affect my life. I wasn't expecting her to become my wife. I wasn't expecting her to become someone I look forward to seeing when daylight greets us.  Do I love her? Am I falling for her? Time will only tell. 

"She was having breakfast with Emily and Sophia by the garden," he answered. Emily and Sophia became friends with Tori when she was prisoner. They all have a mutual understanding especially with Emily and Sophia's past with Prince David.  

"Make sure she is safe at all times. If she is pregnant, I need them both to be protected. I should be back before the Emperor shows up."  

"Not a problem, sir." Henry chuckled. 

"What's so funny?" I asked. 

"Speaking as a friend, Adrian, I think you are really looking forward to the idea of possibly becoming a father." Yes, I wanted this and although it happened non traditionally, I still believe that this baby would've been made out of love. "There is nothing wrong with the idea of having a family. I think you want more than you expected." 

"I think this will bring her joy. Tori had some bad things happen to her in the past and I just want to see her happy." This is why I'm running the errand today. Today the only day I had available to make sure that everything was in order. I just hope that she would like my surprise. Her daughter was her world and I could tell that she was a wonderful mother.

"That's what happens when you fall in love. Their happiness matter and you would go beyond the heavens to do it." He hit hammer on the nail with this one. I'm sure after the news broke about her losing her daughter, everyone was walking on eggshells around her, probably thinking that she was going to snap. 

"And what makes you think that I am in love?" I asked. 

    I tried several times to push my feelings back, to avoid telling her that I falling for her. This marriage happened because I jealous. My mind has been manipulated into believing that she killed my father and in some sick, twisted way, I announced that we were engaged.  Since she has came into the picture, the truth about my family's secrets are revealed. Maybe this was a sign from heaven. Maybe she was sent here to help finally see my family for who they truly are.

     My mother, I've always loved her. To the people of Adenville, she was queen every little girl wanted to be like. Fearless, confident, loving, and respectful, but that was just a mask. My father, I thought he was perfect. He took on the role of a king and dominated. As a child, I would always come to his office because he wanted me to learn how to fulfill my duty when it was my turn. Now that it is, everything has gone wrong. He's probably turning in his grave over the fact that I lost my title. In a way, its tainted with sin. Maybe losing the crown was the best thing that could happen to me. Do I want it back? Yes, not to continue that legacy, but to start a new one with my queen by my side. I am so conflicted between what really matters and what my family expects of me. 

"Well, you've changed since she came to this kingdom. I was afraid you would turn out like your father," He answered. What did he mean by that?

"Henry, you've been around a while, what have you seen my father do?" I leaned against the brick wall. 

"Sir, we can talk about this when you come back. It is not safe to speak of the former king's activities." I understood why. 

"Okay well, I'll be back soon." 

"Yes, sir," he said. As soon as I disconnected the phone, I felt myself tumbling, barely able to register what just happen. Pain radiated in the back of my head and my eyes became blurry. A dark figure stood over me and I knew they were saying something, but couldn't hear due to the ringing in my ears. Suddenly, I felt myself being dragged and that's when I blacked out. 

Tori

    Hours went by and I haven't seen Adrian. Henry told me that he was coming home soon, but it has been hours. The Emperor is here and was waiting for Adrian to arrive before we start with the procedure. 

"Victoria, it has been over two hours. We need to start this immediately." The Emperor declared. His patience was thin and this wasn't a good look. I was already a nervous wreck, thinking of the what ifs. 

I walked over to Henry and leaned into his ear. "I thought you said he would be here." 

"My queen, I spoke to him earlier and he said he was running a few errands and would be back." 

I rubbed the chills that formed on my arms. Catherine and Jasper has been quiet and I just have this eerie feeling that they may have done something to Adrian. 

"Can you please call him and tell him to come immediately," I demanded. 

"Your Highness?" The Emperor spoke. 

"Yes?"

"It's time." He nodded towards the guard who then opened the door. The doctor followed by the Emperor walked into the room. I looked back at Henry, who wore an apologetic look on his face. Slowly, I walked inside the room and then the door closed. 

The doctor began to speak of how the procedure will go. I was barely listening to what he was saying. Where the hell did he go? Why would he leave today of all days? 

"Do you have any questions?" The doctor asked. 

I finally looked up at him. "No." 

He looked at the Emperor, waiting for his approval to start. He nodded his head  and the good doctor went and prepared his supplies. I can't do this alone. I need my husband here with me. My mind went back to when I first found out I was pregnant with Olivia.

Flashback....

    I hovered over the toilet letting out everything I just a few moments earlier. For the last three weeks, I was not able to keep any food down. Alex, said it was food poisoning and that I would get better. I knew better, this wasn't food poisoning. I can feel my nausea swirl in stomach and my energy would drain quickly. I flushed the toilet for the third time in the last five minutes. I washed my face and cleaned my mouth. Just as I was getting ready to walk out of the door, it all came back up. 

"Alex!" I yelled once I was done. I can hear his footsteps as he opened the door.  "I'm here sweetie. Drink some water. He brought the cup to my lips and I took a sip. He felt my forehead to see if have a fever but I was sweating. 

"We're going to the hospital." He sat the cup down and pulled me into his arms. I knew there was no arguing with him. We left and made it to the hospital in a short amount of time. Although my entire family has some sort of medical background, I still wanted to live normal and be treated like any other patient. Of course that didn't happen, as soon as they heard my last name, I was immediately treated like royalty. They drew blood and I took a urine test. They also placed an IV in me to give me fluids since I was dehydrated. 

"Alex, this wasn't necessary. We could've bought a pregnancy test from the drug store."

"I am not going to let my wife buy a cheap pregnancy test," he gasped. 

A knock on the door had us both looking in it's direction. The doctor came in and sat on the stool. I couldn't read his expression which made me more nervous. 

"Hi, Tori. I have all of your test results and it looks like you are pregnant." My eyes widened as I looked at Alex. He was in shock. I was pregnant. 

"M-me? Pre-pregnant?" I stuttered. 

The doctor nodded his head. "You're about eight weeks in. Fortunately, the baby is healthy, but we do need to get you on some prenatal vitamins and healthy diet. Please drink more fluids and I will put in a prescription for your nausea. I would recommend that you take some time off from work and I can type up a letter to give to your boss."

I nodded my head. "That's fine. Thank you, doctor."

"Hang tight while I get your order sent and your discharge paperwork ready." He stood, cleaned his hands and left out the door." 

Present.....

"Your majesty, I need to draw your blood." The doctor had the table prepared and the Emperor stood there just waiting. I wasn't really comfortable with doing this without Adrian, but I didn't have a choice. I climbed onto the bed and held my arm out. The doctor poked my vein and I watch as my blood filled the tubes. After he was finish, he told me that the results would be ready in three hours. I was afraid that I wasn't because I didn't have any symptoms. At least like I had with Olivia. I know that all pregnancies are different but besides the stress of running a kingdom and my marriage to Adrian, I've been fine. The doctor stepped out of the room, leaving only me and the Emperor. He was so intimidating. His expression looked as if he was angry.  

"Emperor?" I spoke first. He looked at me and my mouth went dry, but I had to remember that I am a queen and although he may overrule both Kingdoms, it is my duty to do what's best. 

"What happens if my test results come back negative?" I needed to know what my future holds for me. 

"If you are not pregnant, then Jasper will take place as your king and you would have to remarry." 

"But, Emperor, I don't want to marry Jasper. I love Adrian!" I shouted. My mouth dropped open as I looked up at the Emperor. My hands went to my mouth. "I-I apologize for my outburst Emperor. I-I don't know why I said that." It flowed out so naturally. I guess that's how powerful love is. It hits you unexpectedly, crashing in and rearranging your life and your feelings. It made sense now. I was always trying to protect Adrian. It was the very reason that I stole his seed. I know it sounds crazy, I'm still trying to process this myself. 

"Victoria, I can see that you are nervous and worried about Adrian, but dear please be careful with your words. The power of the tongue can either help you or hurt you. I've never been this nice to someone, so I will let this slide with a warning." I understood and apologized again. Time seemed to by slowly and the Emperor and I just sat in the room waiting. There was still no sign of Adrian and I felt myself wanting to cry. 

Suddenly, I heard the door open and I looked up hoping it was him, but my face fell when the doctor returned. 

"Your majesty, I have your test results." I looked from the doctor to the Emperor and back to the doctor. I blew out a breath, releasing all of my nerves. Depending on the results, this can be a good thing or bad thing. This is going to be life changing. 

"Okay, so tell me doctor, am I pregnant?"