It has been three months since our arrival to the castle after visiting all the nearby villages. Not for a single moment did the spark in my marriage with Nathaniel dwindle.

There isn't a single day where Nathaniel doesn't shower me with love. His daily kisses on my cheeks, forehead, and lips along with his intense lovemaking, in which he treats my body like a temple.

Along with that he's gifted me numerous jewelry and dresses. I've also been helping him with the Kingdom's works, although I am not officially announced as Queen yet. I could care less of my title, as I got something more to give my attention to.

At first, I wasn't sure, but now the little bump in my stomach indicates that I am indeed carrying our bairn. I believe it is from the night we arrived at the castle, but I may be wrong with the numerous times we made love.

With my morning sickness and lack of interest in nearly every food, Nathaniel and I have paused our sinful nightly activities. With the Nordfjord dress, even at full term my pregnancy will be quite hidden.

Nobody knows of this news not even Nathaniel, as I wanted to confirm it myself before celebrating the news of our unborn child. A ball would take place tonight and I plan on informing my husband of the new addition to our family then.

I believe my mother in law wanted this ball for the benefit of the Kingdom and to strengthen our relationship with the neighbouring ones. With my still rocky relationship with her, I believed it was best for me to not take part in the preparation.

I put down the book I was reading and looked up at the footsteps I heard. I was currently sitting peacefully in my private garden and my husband walked towards me.

I stood up and dusted the dirt off my dress and smiled at him. Just arms wrapped around my waist as he tugged me towards him.

Just head descended down to my short height while I stretched my neck as we connected our lips in an earth shattering kiss. I felt myself quickly get caught in the haze of lust and increased the passion.

Feeling his hard manhood against my stomach I let out a sound of pleasure and he growled back in hunger. It's been a couple of weeks since we last made love and it was far too long for the both of us.

I felt my back hit the trunk of a thick tree and his body pressure on me. His fingers combed through my loose hair and I gripped tightly onto the collar of his shirt.

I felt my legs being wrapped around his waist as my dress rose up to my thighs. My legs were bare just when I suddenly felt him enter me.

I squealed in surprise before that noise turned into a moan and he grunted as quietly as he could. Despite the privacy, a loud noise might alert the guards.

I felt myself release with him not too long after and we rested our heads on each other's shoulders. I panted out of breath, the pregnancy clearly tiring me out quicker. I felt him let me down to the floor, but still support my weight with an arm around my waist.

His bent down as his forehead connected with my own and gave a peck of my lips. I sighed in utter happiness and relief.

"I believe there is a ball tonight that we must get ready for."

"Hmm. Do you know the reason behind it?"

"I'm afraid it is a surprise for my dear wife."

"Now I do want to know."

I stubbornly started acting like a child. I came out of his hold, but was still near him to feel his warmth. He laughed at my behaviour, but kept his mouth shut.

"You will find out soon."

"Fine!"

I started walking away, that is until I felt him catch up to my steps quite easily. I ignored him as he called my name and entered our chamber. I froze when I looked on the bed to see a dark red cloth, littered with detailed designs and pearls.

I walked up to it and touched it with my hands and it was the softest material I have ever felt. Under this fabric, there was a more flowing top and skirt, when my mind clicked.

I turned around to face my husband who smiled at me tenderly. I felt tears threaten to fall from my eyes at his kind gesture.

"This- This is an Alasian dress."

"Indeed it is. I married an Alasian princess and I do not wish for you to hide your culture. I hope you would wear this for the ball tonight."

I nodded my head as I felt speechless. I hugged him tight and thanked him continuously for his unforgettable gesture. He kissed the top of my head and pulled me out of our embrace.

"There is no reason to thank me. As your husband it is my duty that you are at your happiest."

"I love you, Nathaniel."

"I love you too, Avani."

"Well I should get ready then. I'll see you at the ball."

I pecked just left and pushed him out of the room. Just as we reached the door he stopped and my efforts went down the drain.

He turned around and gave his signature smirk as he bent down to capture my lips. We shared a passionate kiss and he walked out on his own.

"That is proper goodbye; see you soon my dear wife."

He said loud enough for some guards to turn their heads. I slammed my door shut, as I felt a blush take over my cheeks and neck. His figure dwindled as he walked further down the hall and I walked towards my trunk to bring out some Alasian jewelry.

I draped the red shawl over my body and sighed happily. I couldn't wait to adorn myself with the full outfit when the door to my room opened. I turned around to see my mother-in-law looking at me in disdain, which quickly morphed into one of disgust when she saw the shawl.

"What are you wearing?"

"What are you doing here?"

I countered back. Ever since conceiving a child, my emotions have been overly sensitive and right now I felt quite annoyed at her presence. Never once was there something good at her arrival.

"Please tell me you aren't wearing that for the ball?"

"I am in fact wearing this. It is part of my culture and my husband gifted this fine clothing for me and requested that I wear it."

She looked shocked at her son's actions before it contoured into an evil grin. I felt something horribly wrong would be happening and became alert.

"I suppose you should enjoy your gifts and husband's attention all you can right now."

"What do you mean?"

"Has Nathaniel not told you the reason behind this ball? Such a pity. Anyways, I've arranged this ball for my son to have a more appropriate wife. This is a ball to choose a more fitting wife and queen for him."

My heart and world seemed to stop and tears filled my eyes. I refused to believe these lies. Nathaniel would never replace me, he even said he loves me.

"I am his wife."

I said in shock, yet my tone nor composer did not falter. I flinched at her response to that, as sadness, humiliation, and anger coursed through me.

"You were a pawn to ensure the wellbeing of this Kingdom and now your duties are complete."

"I request you to leave my chamber and stop spreading these lies."

"My dear, these are far from lies. You have been married for months and still haven't conceived a child and even if you did then do you think he would really let a child with Alasian blood rule the Nordfjord throne."

"My husband does not care about that."

"Well he does which is why he will remarry another woman. Do not worry your status would remain as his wife, just not his main one."

"Leave! Leave now! Nathaniel would never betray me as such."

"Very well, I would leave, but I first want you to think about this. Why do you think he hasn't officially crowned you as his queen yet. You are of no value to him as a good wife. Remember, after his second marriage you would be an equivalent to a concubine, with the status of a king's wife. More specifically, his long forgotten wife. I will make sure of that and get you rid of his life for good."

After spitting those vile words she left my room. My legs failed to support my body and I crashed down to the floor. I let a heart wrecking sob, from pain, heartbreak, and betrayal. It hurt more knowing that there was some truth in Genevive's words.

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