This is my first go at writing. Hopefully you enjoy it. There will be more chapters to come.
CHAPTER 1
The morning's rays spilled into the room as Naira rolled onto a cooler part of the bed. Her eyes opened slowly, and she peeked out from under her lips. The sun was barely rising out of the water meaning it was far too early for her to arise. She snuggled back into her silk sheets and lay comfortably until and knock on the door interrupted her slumber.
"Come in," she groaned irritably, rolling onto her back and kicking her comforter off.
"Good morning, princess. Time to rise," said Marina as she set a cup of water on the nightstand. "How did you sleep?"
"Poorly. I kept waking up throughout the night, and I don't know why," she frowned.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Would you like me to fetch the doctor to make sure you aren't sick?" she asked thoughtfully.
"No, thank you, Marina. I'm sure it's just the nerves. Anyway, how did you sleep?" she asked as she hopped out of bed and disrobed. Her nightgown puddled on the floor around her leaving her in nothing but a sheer pair of blue panties. She bent forward to pick up the robe and felt her ample breast sway and bounce on the way up.
"I slept alright, despite Bason's kicking!" she laughed as she patted her pregnant stomach with one hand and handed Naira a fresh dress with the other. "Put this on after you shower."
"Thanks, Marina," she smiled, placing one hand on her engorged belly and feeling a slight kick. "What did the doctor say, yesterday?"
"One healthy baby boy," she beamed happily, "same as last time. Now enough with the questions. Hop into your shower and get ready."
"I'm going, I'm going!" she laughed, laying her dress across the bed and stepping into her bathroom. "OH! Marina, is Harper up yet?" she asked, peeking out of the bathroom. Unfortunately, the look on her face told her more than she wanted. "She's not in her room, is she?"
"No, ma'am. I've searched all throughout the castle. Can't find her anywhere," she replied with her head hung low.
"Alright," she sighed heavily. "I'll look for her after my shower. I swear, not one day can go by without her pissing me off, can it?"
"Her nature has always been consistent with this behavior," she reasoned as she made Naira's bed.
"That it has," she groaned. "Well, don't worry about it too much, Marina. I'll shower quickly and then we can both split up and look for her."
"Thank you, princess," she smiled as Naira disappeared into the bathroom to wash up and prepare herself for the day. Marina sat on the bed thoughtfully and remembered when she used to bathe little Naira and lace her long black hair into a beautiful braid filled with fresh flowers. She also used to fight her when she tried to put clothes on her. That made me chuckle to herself. Oh, the good old days. But now, she was just a few months shy of her 20th birthday.
--------- "Good morning, my dearest Naira!" smiled the king as he embraced her at the bottom of the stairs. "You are looking extravagant this morning, and your dress is lovely."
"Thank you, father!" she smiled back, closing her eyes as he planted a loving kiss on her soft forehead. "You look very handsome today as well!"
"Oh, my dear Naira. You are too kind to me in my old years," he laughed, brushing his graying hairs back. "Come, stand beside me during morning announcements." He grabbed her hand led her through the rush of servants and visitors. Worriedly, she realized that he was leading her the long way around the crowd, searching for a specific face. Not being able to find her, he then sighed stressfully and led them to the thrones. "Attention, everyone," he started, the crowding stopping in place and giving him their full attention, "Today is an extraordinary day as you all know. I want to make sure that this castle is in tip-top shape for their arrival. Make sure that the gardens are trimmed, the floors are swept, and that everything is dusted to perfection. Also, my chefs, how is the food preparation coming along?"
"Everything will be ready and perfect by the time they arrive, your majesty," said the first one.
"And we are even cooking a backup in case there's trouble!" said the second.
"Marvelous!" he beamed. "On that note, carry on with your duties. I'm very proud already at how magnificent this castle is looking because of your hard work. Thank you again! And prepare yourselves for a meal to remember as you will all be enjoying the 'back-up' meal as an additional thanks." The servants cheered at him, and he bowed slightly as they clapped. Then, instantly, the crowd dispersed and resumed their duties. "Where is she?" he asked as Naira rubbed her hands nervously together. She knew the question was coming, but she dreaded it all the same.
"I don't know, sire. Marina tells me that she wasn't in her bed this morning and that it seemed as though she never returned last night."
"I swear... I'm going to have to start posting guards at her door every night!" he complained.
"My king and princess," panted Marina as she jogged up to them, "I have every free guard and servant searching the grounds thrice over for her, but she's nowhere to be found. I've even—"
"Marina!" exclaimed the king with a frown. "Sit down before you overwork yourself!" he ordered as he pressed her down into his throne. He knelt beside her and asked if he could place his hands on her stomach. She nodded. Both hands carefully pressed against her belly and a cheesy smile crossed his face as he felt a small kick. "He's a fighter, isn't he!" he laughed.
"Yes, sire. He wakes me up several times during the night now that I'm so far into the pregnancy.
"I see. Marina, you look exhausted. You really shouldn't be working so hard in these late stages. In fact, I forbid it and order you to go home and relax until your little treasure is born." He smiled as the baby kicked again.
"But sir—"
"Nope! No excuses! Many other servants can tend to Naira while you're away, alright? And when you're feeling well enough, you can jump right back into things. By the way, I saw your husband training the other day with my knights. Is he considering rejoining the forces? How's his knee?"
"The doctor thinks it's finally healed enough and gave him permission yesterday to return to his post!" she smiled excitedly.
"That's wonderful news! I had noticed he had fallen a bit under the weather since his accident. That man is dedicated to his work, I'll tell you that. I'm glad to have him on my guard duty," he said thoughtfully. "Now, off you go! Go enjoy your child vacation. I will have the midwives check in on you daily to make sure you're well cared for!"
