The Dragon Brothers
Chapter 16 - A Heir to the Throne

Lucian POV

It's been a few days since Viola has been back and I'm so glad to have her in my arms again that I barely let her out of my sight. Since there isn't a current threat at our borders, instead of a guardian, I follow her everywhere she goes. I even follow her while she helps out at the hospital and I help her work or just sit and talk to her. It gives peace of mind. For some reason I'm afraid that she could just vanish into thin air. I must protect her at all times.

We're sitting in the meetings tent and she's sitting right next to me. The Lieutenants are giving me reports on staff, finance, injuries, weapons when a young castle guard enters the tent with an urgent letter for me. I take the letter and step outside the tent. I already know what the contents are and it's filling me with dread. I slowly open the letter.

Crown Prince Lucian of Drakor of the Chromos Empire

We regret to inform you but your father, King Cradia of Drakor of the Chromos Empire, has passed on. As the eldest son it is your responsibility to come and claim the throne. Your coronation celebration ceremony will be in five days. With Deepest Regrets,

Advisor and Council to the Crown

I return to the meetings tent and slowly make my way back to my seat. I lay the letter down on the table in front me. "I have to return to Drakor. My father has passed away. I leave tomorrow morning at dawn." Viola POV

As I followed Lucian back to our tent to pack our things before our trip home tomorrow. A million different thoughts were running through my head. I'm looking forward to seeing Agenta again but how does Lucian feel about losing his father? How does he feel about becoming king? If I ask him what he's thinking will he talk to me? I haven't been feeling well either so I hope I can stomach this boat ride across the seas.

"You haven't been feeling well so lay down and I'll pack our things. Maybe we should take you to the hospital before we leave and see if they have anything for motion sickness." Lucian looks at me worriedly.

"That wouldn't be a bad idea. But for now I'm going to take a nap." With that I'm out. I'm tired all the time. I feel sick all the time and to make matters worse I constantly have to go pee. I sleep through the afternoon so Lucian doesn't want to wake me to take me to the hospital.

"Hey love. I brought you dinner." Lucian says and he gently rubs on my shoulder to wake me.

I open my eyes and Lucian has brought me a tray from the mess hall for tonight's dinner. He sets it down on the nightstand and then helps me sit up. I can tell he's genuinely worried about me. What would I do without him?

"I talked to the camp doctor and he suggested ginger would help with the nausea. So I have some to take with us." Lucian shows me a little bag with white pieces in it.

The next morning weThe three day boat ride goes by in a flash. I spend most of it with Lucian in his arms reading a book. We eat dried meats, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and cheese. set sail. Over the next three days the ginger definitely comes in handy. I spend most of the time, much like I did on the trip to the camp, snuggled in Lucian's arms in the helm of the boat. I try reading a book but most of the time I feel so sick that I can't concentrate. We eat dried meats, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and cheese.

After we make it back to the shore Lucian has two guards carry our luggage to our rooms for us. My illness has gotten worse by the day.

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"I want you to go lie down immediately. I'm going to find the royal doctor. This isn't just motion sickness. You were fine on your first trip. Not to mention you've been ill before we left the camp. I should have made you visit the hospital doctor then." Lucian says as soon as we make it back to the castle. He leaves me after we make it to our room.I look at myself in the mirror and I swear I look like I've gained weight.

Lucian makes it back with the royal doctor. He asks me all of the normal questions. What are the symptoms? How long have I been ill? Did my symptoms get worse or better on the boat? What other symptoms am I experiencing weight gain, lethargy, etc? When was your last menstrual cycle? After I answer all of those questions and the doctor writes down all of my answers in a furious manner he shuts his notebook and smiles at us in a relaxed manner.

"I don't believe there is any cause to be concerned. I believe Princess Viola is with child!" The doctor announces proudly. My mouth drops to the floor. This was truly the last thing I had on my mind. Lucian and I had only been married for a matter of a few months. I slowly peeked over at Lucian to see his reaction and he was grinning from ear to ear! He couldn't smile any bigger!

"Viola! We're going to have a baby! Can you believe it? I'm going to be king and you're already giving me an heir! I'm so excited! My coronation is in two more days and then once the baby is born we'll have to celebrate his or her birth with the entire empire as well. But we'll have a holiday with feasts, parades, and celebrations in the capital. Oh it will be so grand! But before that you have to start designing his crib room." Lucian is so happy he looks like he's about to burst. I smile as it's hard not to be caught up in his jubilee.

The next nine months go by in a blur. There's Lucian's coronation, there is my coronation, then I have to design the baby's room, and don't forget all of my duties as queen. I have to make appearances, lead committees, stand at my husband's side, and lead the castle staff. I'm only 5'2" and I'm naturally thin so my baby bump is quite noticeable. By month nine I can barely walk and when I do I look like a penguin. Lucian has been trying to convince me to go on bed rest but I won't listen to him. I keep telling him to fuck off. Then the unthinkable happens. My whole world comes crashing down.

Lucian POV

I've been moving my study materials into my father's study all day and while I do so I go over all the paperwork he kept in his office so I can see what is unfinished. When a castle guard comes to tell me that I have a visitor. I let him know that they can wait in the main floor library. When I open the door to the library my eyes go over a woman standing in a plum colored dress that accentuates all of her curves and has a very low cut V neckline with gold jewelry. She has long wavy auburn hair. She's truly a beautiful woman. Her name is Marji and she is a former lover of mine. She's also cunning, manipulative, and even though she is beautiful on the outside her soul is completely ugly on the inside.

"Hi Marji. What is it that you want?" I cross my arms over my chest. I already know that nothing good will come from this visit. I just need to find out how much it's going to cost me.

"Lucian! It's so nice to see you. I heard about your father. I'm so sorry. Can I comfort you in some way?" She asks as she takes a step forward and starts to rub on my arm.

"As the entire empire knows I've already taken a wife and any comfort that I need comes from her." I want to recoil at her touch as it completely disgusts me.

"Yes I heard about the wife. But no one knows how to comfort you like I can. I don't mind being a mistress or concubine. I don't even have to live in the castle. Keep me in the city for your naughty adventures." With her last sentence she takes my head in her hands and gently glides her fingertips down my cheeks and then across my lips. Then she stands up on her tippy toes and kisses me.

I hear a glass break and an involuntary gasp. Both I know and Marji turn to look and Viola is standing right there. She turns and penguin waddles off. Marji starts laughing. I slap her right across the face.

"You did that on purpose! You saw her. Didn't you?" I'm full of rage and push Marji on the ground. Thankfully Viola hasn't waddled far away so I'm able to easily catch up to her.

"Baby please let me explain. It wasn't what it looked like." I beg.

"I don't want to hear it, Lucian. I'll have my things taken out of your room as soon as possible. Just get away from me." She says through her tears. Then her steps seem to falter and water and blood splashes out between her legs.

A/N Please drop me a comment and let me know if you like the story or the chapter. I love all feedback both critical and complimentary. Check out my other book Prince Justus and the Rogue. You can also go to my facebook page for chapter updates and updates on new projects. https://www.facebook.com/Sammi-From-Anystories-1020524119915