Connected to the King

Swelling Belly

Marcus and I talked as much as we could as the months passed. He was the only reason I kept my hopes up in being able to return to Lyceiar. My home.

We pushed our sight line to one another every day as he traveled in search of this place. I've visited the gardens and a room encased in glass that I used to sit in the sun. The guards gradually stopped coming around as I stopped voicing my need to escape this vomit-colored hell hole. I still had plans on leaving this place, but now I had to think of an alternative method as my swollen belly continued to grow.

I thought back to how sick I felt with my first child and remembered that I was not going to be here and for this child's sake and mine, my pregnancy was to remain hidden. It was getting harder and harder to hide behind my cloaks and constant requests for new gowns that would fit me properly. I had even gone as far as hiding in my room most days.

Marcus and I sat in silence for a little while that morning as the thunderous drumming of the horses he and the others rode sounded through our connection.

My love, what are you doing? I called out to him, rubbing my belly.

We are currently stopped at a lake for a quick break. We've been traveling for months, stopping by every village we could, and I haven't seen anything remotely close to anything you've shown me. Even Sebastian’s information that he left behind didn’t make any sense since it just looks like a barren field. He huffed, seemingly out of breath.

A rush of heat cascaded over me as I sat in the chair beside a window, staring off into the distance that could well be an illusion. My heart pounded in my chest, radiating its throbs into my ears. I quickly rose and brought my hands to my head as the room began to spin.

I know you're close, I can feel you. I cried.

What is it? Did something happen? Worry laced his tone.

I can sense that you're nearby. What is it you are currently looking at?

Here. Marcus shifted my sight to his for a moment as he and half of his army slowed their horses down to a trot.

A vast field of half melted snow sat before him, there was not a tree in sight. The spring's shifting weather melted the snow down to small piles, ridding the fields in puddles.

There is nothing here. Are you sure it's me you're feeling?

I hesitated for a moment before answering. I was unsure of how he would take to the news, especially since I have been away from him for so long. I'm… pregnant. I'm sure it's you I'm feeling since our connection was much stronger if not permanent now before I was taken.

I received a deafening silence before the overwhelming fear of his rejection pushed its way through me.

Who have you been taking to bed?

I was completely shocked by his response. What? What do you mean? I've pushed my line of sight to you all day every day, even when I'm asleep. You can hear me crying out for you and… this… this is what I get in return?

I clutched my chest and sank to the floor beside the bed. My tears streamed down my cheeks like a broken dam.

Aurora, it's been a quarter of a year. How far along are you?

I'm that far along. I've been keeping track of the days and the last time anyone had touched me was the night of my birthday. You know that. How could you even doubt that? I sobbed through our connection.

I have my concerns. I know you've taken a liking to one of those men there. The least you could do is tell me the truth.

Marcus, you know damn well I haven't done anything or touched another man since I was taken from you.

Marcus pushed his line of sight to me and showed that the land to the south was bare. We've been circling for days and can't seem to find any signs of life out here.

I sniffled, Marcus, when I told you I loved you I meant it. You want me to prove it? Don't move. Stay where you are. I wiped my tears and flipped our connection of sight as I moved over to the fireplace and knelt. My hand extended to the flame.

"Motresimo, flaminecta, provtu lé." I chanted and watched as tiny embers began jumping out onto the rug. To my surprise the fur did not catch fire.

Aurora, what are you doing?

I didn't reply and offered my palm to the little dancing balls of fire. "Go, find anything and everything you can burn outside of this room." I smiled at the bunch as they hopped off my hand and made their way over to the door sliding under the small gap, eventually disappearing altogether.

I can sever this tie with my death. A natural death will not cause you harm… so you'll be free from a woman you no longer trust and the thought of a bastard child.

Aurora! Don't you dare!

Marcus. What is it you want?

You claim the child is mine. Then you need to prove it.

I shouldn't have to. You have seen my every move and yet, you still don't trust me. And if I die, just know I loved you.

Don't f*****g do it! He panicked.

It's too late. Once I die the magic within me will go back to the earth and Nedget will be imprisoned once more. You won't have to worry about anything else.

The halls filled with screams and the cries of those who were suffocating from the smoke infused air.

"I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't." I muttered to myself as I rose from the rug and waddled back to the bed. I crawled on top of the comforter and laid on my side, rubbing my little swollen belly. "I love you." I whispered to my belly as I laid my head onto the pillow and closed my eyes.

Aurora! Wake up, please! Marcus begged.

I let out a heavy sigh through our connection and groaned. Why? Marcus, I don't have the energy to deal with this from both sides.

What do you mean, from both sides?

Nedget wants me dead or alive, which ever at this point, and you are accusing me of bedding another man. This child is growing every day and using up every bit of energy I have left.

I… don't know what to say.

You've said enough and what's done is done. Hopefully my plan will work.

Aurora, what exactly did you do?

What needed to be done.

I reached and pulled the comforter over myself and tucked it under my belly as I closed my eyes and waited for the c*****e to ensue.

I could feel his panicking emotions through our connection as an overwhelming sense of calm washed over me. Death had no ties to me anymore and I was not afraid to die.

The screams of the victims throughout the castle had died down after some time and to my surprise my chamber was untouched by the smoke.

Aurora! I see smoke. But I can't see where it's coming from!

I did not respond as his voice began to fade out. I was losing consciousness as the castle began to shake and crumble. Bits of the ceiling came crashing down around me and I waited for the moment to be crushed by it.

A high-pitched screech invaded my ears and brought me back from the darkness that engulfed me. A blanket of warmth washed over me as a faint yellow glow shined through my eyelids causing me to slowly open them. To my surprise I was encased in some sort of shield.

I weakly smiled as I gazed around, not lifting my head as the walls of the castle had fallen. It was gone, as were the soldiers and other castle occupants.

"Spread out and search for any signs of life. She's got to be in here somewhere!" A familiar voice shouted out.

"My king, over there!" Another voice hollered

I sniffled as tears spilled from my eyes, "My… boys. They're here…" I croaked. My voice was lost to the wind.

Hastened footsteps crunched through the rubble around me as I shut my eyes, a low whimper escaped my lips.

"Aurora… Oh God, please answer me." Marcus' voice called out to me as my body shifted and was enveloped in his warmth.

The fear of Marcus no longer loving me sent bolts of lightning to my heart as I began sobbing, "You should have left me to die. You're never going to look at me the same or love me the same…" I cried.

He cradled me in his arms and brought his face closer to mine, his heavy breaths fanning over my skin as his hand stroked my cheek. I slowly opened my eyes and gazed into his, not realzing we were on horseback. The look of concern for my wellbeing, caused my lower lip to quiver as we stared at one another for a moment in silence.

"I would never leave you to die. Don't you ever say that again." He stated sternly before lifting me into his arms. "Don't you ever…"

Marcus' sadness encapsulated me as his emotions flooded my own. I closed my eyes again and rested my head against his chest, his throbbing heartbeat brought me comfort as I laid a hand over my belly.

His sniffling caused me to reach up with my other hand and place it on his cheek to find that his skin was dampened by his tears. This man is crying over me. After everything he said… I thought to myself as I slipped into the darkness that was my own.

“Marcus, you found her?” Maxwell’s voice invaded my ears.

Marcus had pushed his energy to me as my body gently bounced between his arms on what seemed to be a horse. I remained quiet and listened in on their conversation.

“I did. But she's unconscious now. We need to get her back quickly.”

“But she's pregnant, how do you know the child is yours?”

“I know the child is mine. She remained loyal to me over the past months, and I had my doubts, but what she said is true.”

“How?”

“We are connected, how do you think I didn't lose my s**t the entire time she's been gone? We've talked every day, she showed me around the castle and everything. I even have a better idea of this warlock character that I am going to kill, if that bastard made it out of that pile of rubble alive.”

“Marcus, you did lose your s**t though. Aurora is gonna be pissed that she's gonna have to order a whole new set of furnishings for your chamber and the study…”

You did what? I screeched through our connection.

Fuck. Marcus scoffed.

"Your majesty, how are you feeling?" Maxwell lamely attempted to suck up to me.

Maxwell, cut the crap… I heard what you said. You're lucky I don't have the energy to set you on fire right now. I huffed through Marcus’ mouth.

"Are you responding for her Marcus? Why is your voice weird?" He grumbled.

Because I'm using Marcus’ body. He has our connection open. His ears are my ears.

“Idiot.” Marcus chuckled.

Marcus hesitated for a moment before he shifted me in his arms, "Are you cold? Do you want to go into the carriage? I can sit back there with you if you'd like or… do you want to be left alone?"

You… you brought the carriage? Can we go in there? It'll be private and I just want to curl up in your arms and rest. Please.

I felt Marcus adjust himself behind me as he pressed his lips to my forehead, a stray tear streamed down my cheek as I swallowed hard.

"Everyone, let's stop for a moment and take a break while I get Aurora situated." Gaius slowed his trot to a full stop. "Gaius, kneel buddy, we gotta get Aurora down."

The stallion bobbed his head and neighed as his rear end shifted down first before he lowered his front legs to the ground. Marcus' grip shifted as he slid his arm under my knees and lifted, sliding off of Gaius' back.

"C-can you… put me down for a moment?" I whispered, "I missed Gaius."

"You missed the damn horse, Aurora?" Gavin's loud voice invaded my ears.

"Gavin, I missed you too but I'm going to hurt you if you don't keep your voice down." I whispered as Marcus set me down on my feet, keeping his arm wrapped around my waist for support. My vision was blurred but I couldn't miss that giant beast of a horse anywhere.

"Hi handsome." I smiled at the stallion. "Did you miss me?" I took a wobbly step up to him and pressed my forehead to his as I stroked his snout. He let out a soft neigh and rubbed my belly with his snout. "Yeah, I know. You're going to have someone else to protect and love."

I glanced back at the smoldering embers and what was left of Luthor’s castle. The piles of rubble and the remnants of life that remained in the distance. Shaking my head, I shifted my attention back to Marcus as he too stared off into the distance.

"C'mon, let's get you inside." Marcus applied a bit of pressure to my lower back as he slowly guided me to the carriage. He quickly reached for the door and pulled it open before gently lifting me into the back. "Hey, Maxwell, guess what? You're driving." He shouted with a smile on his face.

"Not again… you two better behave back there!" He replied.

"What more could happen Maxwell? I'm already pregnant!" My voice cracked as I shouted. Once inside I laid down on the carriage floor and curled into the fetal position as Marcus climbed in.

"Oh no, don't you think about it. Come here." He maneuvered his arms under me and lifted me into his lap. "You're not getting off that easy little one."

"Why does this all seem familiar?" I croaked.

Marcus chuckled and stroked my head, "Because this is how we met. Don't you remember? You were on the run."

I grabbed his hand and brought it to my lips. His hands were cold to the touch but with the amount of heat radiating from me I welcomed the cold. "I remember, like it was yesterday."

Marcus reached around me and grabbed a canister of what I assumed to be water, popped the top and pressed the cold steel to my lips. "You must be thirsty. Your voice is… n-never mind just drink."

My lips parted as he tilted the canister up, the chilled water streamed into my mouth. I slowly gulped the water down and pushed his hand away, indicating that I was finished.

I let out a low satisfying breath and nuzzled into his chest. The rhythmic beat of his heart put my soul at ease. "I missed you." I whispered.

Marcus didn't reply as he gave me a gentle squeeze.

The little flutters of my baby caused me to chuckle as I rubbed my belly. "This one is already so… lively."

Marcus grunted as he shifted his gaze down at me then to my belly before bringing his hand to my cheek. "I cannot believe… we are going to have a child." His tone was soft.

I smiled up at him and nodded. "Well, believe it. Because she is going to be your little girl." I sniffled.

Marcus raised his brow at me, "How do you know it's a girl? Has she already shown herself to you?" He asked.

I shrugged my shoulders, "I just have a feeling. Maybe she will show herself to you." I brought my hand up to his cheek, stroking his skin with my thumb.

It was then I noticed Marcus' cheeks were not as full as before but slightly sunken in. I gasped, pulling my hand away from him quickly. "Marcus what happened? You're thinner than I remembered. Is that why you never showed yourself to me through the mirror?"

Marcus let out a heavy sigh as he adjusted himself under me. "I haven't rested nor eaten half as much since you went missing. Of course, I knew I had to take care of myself but it was difficult without you."

My heart sank to the bottom of my chest at the thought of how he suffered. What else has changed since my disappearance?

"Don't worry, we will be back before you know it and things will be back to normal." I grabbed Marcus by the front of his tunic and pulled him closer. Our noses touched as I gazed into his eyes. "They will be back to normal." I whispered and pressed my lips to his.

He pulled away from me and smiled. “Let’s get home then.”

The creaking wheels of the carriage indicated that we were on the move. My body gently rocked against Marcus as we traveled over the rugged terrain back toward Lyceiar.

~~

Our journey had stopped short of a couple of weeks since we hadn't made nearly as many stops.

Gaius let out a loud neigh and reared up in fear, causing goosebumps to sprout all over my arms and chest. "What's going on out there?" I asked, turning to Marcus.

Marcus quickly moved from his seat, grabbing his sword as he exited the carriage, "Keep quiet. I'll check it out." I wanted to protest but was cut short when Marcus turned and narrowed his eyes at me. "Don't… I just got you back and I am not risking it." He mouthed as he shut the door.

I pouted my lip and peeked out of the carriage window as Marcus, Maxwell, Gavin and Emmret approached what looked like a small group of people on horseback. "What the? Who is that?" I whispered to myself.

At least let me see who is there…

It's too dark to make out who these people are.

“Aurora, you don’t have to hide from us.” A sweet feminine voice called out to me. “We have some things to...discuss.”

How does this woman know your name?

I-I don’t know. I slowly opened the door to the carriage and poked my head out and was greeted by one of the guards Marcus had brought with him.

“I think you should stay inside your highness.” He whispered to me.

Scoffing, I narrowed my eyes at him, “I think you should...get out of my way, I can handle myself.” I sneered as I grabbed the handle and stepped down.

“Aurora, what are you doing out here? It's too cold and you don't have a coat.” Marcus asked as he rushed up to me, wrapping his cloak over my shoulders.

“I need to know who these people are. Please just let me see them.” I whined.

"Is that anyway to greet your mother? Remember you were the one who ran away from us." She shouted from a distance.

I froze, a cold shudder rolled through me. My mother? The one who took it upon herself to draw out my fate? My death? I slowly gazed up at Marcus, my eyes widened with fear. "No. How did she find me so quickly? How did she know I escaped?" I whispered.

Marcus read me like an open book and pivoted on his heel to face the group ahead. His jaw clenched when he pulled me closer to him.

"What do you want? You're the one who made a deal with the ancestors." My voice cracked as my weakened body strained with anxiety.

The slushing of snow sounded from in front of Marcus as both my mother and father appeared in my peripherals. I grabbed Marcus’ hand and tucked my head into his chest.

A deep rumble sounded from behind me causing me to cry out in fear. I knew my father was upset but I didn't realize how mad he was.

"Aurora, turn around. Now." His deep voice grumbled.

I let out a shaky breath and released Marcus’ arm as I slowly turned to face my parents. "Yes, father." I lowered my head and fidgeted with the fur on Marcus’ cloak.

Shifting chains caught my attention as a heavy thud hit the ground, causing my gaze to shoot up from the snowy ground when my father dismounted his horse. When my eyes met my father's, his gaze softened. His long black dreads were pulled back and tied off with a purple ribbon. His dark toned skin held scars from previous battles but the one that stuck out to me was a thick scar that ran from the base of his square jaw, trailing down from his neck and toward his chest, most of it was hidden by his clothing. His soft brown eyes just stared back at me with worry and relief.

My eyes shifted focus to my mother, her smug expression caused me to shiver when she pulled a metal pin from her hair, releasing her white tresses. Her iridescent eyes glowed in the darkness as I watched her thin lips curl into a malicious smirk. Her pale skin gave off a dull glow.

I swallowed hard before I turned my attention back to my father.

A smirk crossed his lips, "Where is your bird?" His off the topic question caught me off guard.

My lip quivered as we held each other's gaze. "I-I haven't seen him since I left. I have no idea where he went." I was taken back by the odd question, especially at a time like this. But what did that have to do with our current situation?

He nodded at me and approached, casting a glance at Marcus in which I had assumed to catch his reaction. Marcus maneuvered me behind him as he stood face to face with my father.

I grabbed his arm, tugging at his sleeve. "This isn't the time nor the place, Marcus. We are out in the open." Peeking out from behind Marcus I gazed up at my father whose eyes immediately shot down to me.

"So, you must be Marcus, the one Sebastian told us about recently." His hand extended to Marcus, "I should be thanking you for keeping this one alive." His focus on me never shifted.

Marcus hesitated for a moment before extending his own to shake my father's hand. "And I should be thanking you for bringing her into this world."

“Father, when did Sebastian tell you guys about us? I-I thought he left the coven for good?” I asked with a shaky tone.

“He came by a few months back saying he had found you. Theil took it upon himself to retrieve you. Sebastian didn’t even tell us you had gone missing until we had watched Marcus leave the castle in search of you. So, we followed.” He replied.

"Ha, our little Aurora bewitched the tyrant king of the north. How fitting." My mother sneered from behind.

"Minerva. Watch your tongue. We wouldn't be here if you hadn't gotten out of hand with your selfish wants." My father sneered at her.

I could see Marcus’ free hand clench into a fist as that word spilled from her mouth. I gasped and grabbed Marcus by his waist and pulled him away with haste. "No, no, no don't you switch on me." I muttered with a worried tone as I turned him to face me. Reaching up I cupped his cheeks and stared into his eyes for a moment.

His brow furrowed as a scowl worked its way through his face. I pulled him down to me and pressed my forehead to his, "My love please don't. She did not mean it. Just breathe. Focus on me."

Marcus loosened his jaw and let out a loud sigh as he placed his hands on my waist. "Aurora… I'm okay. Really."

Minerva let out a deafening cackle, "Oh, so it seems she's already got you wrapped around her finger. How… touching."

"Minerva, shut your mouth!" My father Roluth shouted. "Aurora has had enough of your bullshit and quite frankly so have I."

I stepped out from in front of Marcus, eyes widened. I had never witnessed my father standing up to my mother in regard to me. He's always given me an apologetic look and let her do what she wished.

"Father… Can you teleport us home? I don't have the magic for that." I whispered to him, low enough for my mother not to hear.

He nodded his head. It's because she's bound your abilities, you have very simple magic right now. Anything advanced that you received during your… transformation was bound.

You're kidding me…

I'm afraid not. But I can get you and everyone here back safely. I already know where you're going.

"Of course, the silent man would stand up for his daughter. Just as she would have a true tyrant by her side."

A flick of anger pushed its way into my heart. My hands clenched into fists as the fire within me grew. My ever-growing hatred for this woman had hit its peak. I raised my hand in her direction only for Marcus to scoop me into his arms and pressed his lips to mine with haste.

What are you doing?

Saving you from yourself.

I am going to kill her.

He huffed against my lips. Exactly and right now we are completely outnumbered…

Coming from a man who loves to kill everything in sight you've changed.

Don't get me started.

He pulled away from me and gazed at me. "Don't let her get the best of you."

"Aren't you the sweetest thing on the planet? Come, Aurora, we need to go back. Your sacrificial ceremony is going to be quite interesting." Minerva chuckled.

“I guess it’s a good thing she’s not going back with you then.” My father sneered before waving his hand in a circular motion before a portal to Lyceiar had opened.