Vol.7 Ch.415 Rianna Finally Knows

Rya’s stomach was mad that she was eating too slowly. ‘Ah! S-Shut up! I’m trying to eat!’ She thought as she rubbed her stomach. ‘I must be stress eating again… Getting into these verbal fights with Hilda is making me more hungry than usual.’

Quinus noticed that Rya was holding her stomach again. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Are you feeling alright, love? You’re holding your stomach again.”

Rya nearly flinched from him whispering in her ear, but she had to hide that her stomach was just upset from now inhaling her food.

“I’m just a bit stressed… And I’m eating too fast… That’s all,” she lied. “Anyway, I need to speak to Raiden to see if he knows anything about creating a contraceptive for elves. Mmh!? These vegetables are really good!” She then finished her plate and waited for the next course to arrive.

Quinus sighed in relief. He had been so focused on the drama between Rya and Hilda that he hadn’t even noticed that he had barely touched his own food. He picked up his fork and took a bite of his steak, savoring the rich, savory flavor. He was surprised at how good it was. He had never been a big fan of steak, but this one was different. “You’re right. Dinner tonight seems to be better than usual,” he said. He then looked at the Queen. “Did you have a say in the menu, Your Majesty?”

Queen Rianna, who had been quietly observing the exchange, smiled at the Crown Prince. “I may have had a few suggestions,” she said, a sly grin spreading across her face. “I thought we could all use a little comfort food. They say it helps a woman to become more… fertile,” she said, her tone a little too sweet, a little too suggestive.

Quinus’s face turned a shade of crimson, but he managed to maintain his composure, a feat that he had perfected over the years of serving as the Crown Prince.

Rya laughed, “Like that will happen with the way you two are staring at me. Stop it,” she said, a little too quickly.

“Who? Me?” Rianna said, a look of innocence on her face. “I’m just trying to help. You’re the one who’s wants to carry my son’s child, my dear. I’m just trying to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need.”

Yuliana had to bite her tongue to keep from blurting out that Rya was already pregnant. She could see the subtle signs, the way her daughter’s body was changing, the way her appetite had increased, the way she was constantly rubbing her stomach. But she knew that she had to respect the elven traditions, to wait until Rya was ready to share the news with the world, to let the forest spirits guide her.

“Oh, I think I have more then enough—”

“Oh, please. You’re a young lady in love, you need to eat. Besides, I have a feeling that you’re going to need all the energy you can get for the next few months,” Rianna said, a sly grin on her face.

Rya frowned, “What are you—” a plate with a special dish was placed in front of Rya from a servant that came out from the kitchen. It was a plate of grilled vegetables with a side of roasted potatoes and a small piece of grilled fish. The vegetables were bright and colorful, the potatoes were golden brown and crispy, and the fish was flaky and moist. It was a meal that was both healthy and delicious, a meal that was designed to provide the body with the nutrients it needed to thrive, and grow the child inside of her.

“Your Majesty… What is this?” Rya asked, a confused look on her face.

“It’s a special dish that the Royal Chef has prepared for you. It’s filled with vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy pregnancy. I had him add a few extra ingredients that are known to boost fertility,” Rianna said, a warm smile on her face.

“Old wives’ tails are only—is that mango chutney?” Rya’s eyes widened as she looked at the plate. She had a sudden craving for mango chutney, a craving that she had never experienced before. She had always found it to be too sweet, too tangy, but for some reason, it was calling to her, a siren’s song that she couldn’t resist.

“Yes, it is,” Rianna said, a sly grin spreading across her face.

“W-Well, if it might help me get pregnant… Then I guess I can give it a try,” Rya said, her expression a mask of reluctant acceptance. She picked up her fork and took a bite of the fish, her eyes widening in surprise as the flavors exploded in her mouth. The fish was flaky and moist, the vegetables were crisp and flavorful, and the mango chutney was sweet and tangy, a perfect balance of flavors that tantalized her taste buds. She had never tasted anything quite like it, a symphony of flavors that danced on her tongue, a melody of tastes that made her feel alive.

‘Why is this so good!? I don’t even like fish that much! But… I can’t stop eating it!’ Rya thought to herself as she devoured the plate, her movements a flurry of activity, a whirlwind of forks and knives. She felt a sense of satisfaction, a deep, primal pleasure that she hadn’t experienced in a long time, a feeling of contentment that washed over her like a warm wave.

“How do you feel, Rya?” Yuliana asked, a hopeful glint in her eye.

Rya looked up from her plate, a little startled by the question. “I feel… great,” she said, a genuine smile spreading across her face. “This is amazing.”

Yuliana smiled, a sense of relief washing over her. “I’m glad you like it. Hopefully, you will get a child soon,” she said, a warm, reassuring smile on her face.

Rya didn’t want to get her mother’s hopes up, but she played along anyway. “We’ll see, mom.”

Quinus looked at Rya with a fond smile, a warm, tender expression that made her heart skip a beat.

“What?” Rya asked, a little self-consciously.

“Nothing… You’re just… beautiful when you’re happy,” Quinus said, a soft, gentle murmur that made her blush.

Rya’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink, “Yeah? And?” she said, a little too quickly.

“And I love you,” Quinus said, a soft, gentle murmur that made her heart melt. Then he moved his lips next to her ear. “And we better try to see if my mother is right.”

Rya’s blush deepened, but she couldn’t help but smile. “We’ll see about that,” she whispered back, a sly grin on her face.

The Queen watched the exchange with a knowing smile, she hoped that Rya would finally see that she was pregnant. And if not, she hoped that Rya would do enough to get married and then she could gift Rya her Lifebloom artifact to show that she is pregnant and then they could get rid of Hilda since she’s already carrying the heir.

But Rianna’s triumph was short lived as the sweet aroma of the food made her stomach growl. ‘A-Another craving!?’ She thought. ‘I swear I’m just as loud as Rya’s stomach…’ She paused and slowly rubbed her stomach with a perplexed look on her face. ‘I-I can’t be… C-Can I?…’ Beneath her gown, beneath the royal fabrics, a life stirred, unknown, unfelt, a secret blooming in the dark.

‘N-No… I’m forty! I’ve only been with Cyndre a few dozen times in the last few months! And the poison that Leandra gave me had to make me barren! B-But… I have been more hungry than usual… And that smell…’ The sweet aroma of the fish and mango chutney was calling to her, a siren’s song that she couldn’t resist herself. Just like when she was pregnant with Quinus. It struck her like lightning.

‘N-Not here! Not in front of everyone!’ She thought as she tried to maintain her composure. Her heart was racing as the signs were all there. The increased appetite, the cravings, the subtle changes in her body. She had dismissed them as stress, as a side effect of the poison, but now, now she wasn’t so sure.

The King, oblivious to the bombshell that had just exploded in his wife’s mind, cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the table. “Now that… that bit of excitement is over, I believe we should have a… Rianna? Are you alright? You look lost in thought. Are you worried about dealing with Leandra?” He asked, a hint of concern in his tone.

Queen Rianna snapped out of her daze, a mask of serene composure sliding into place. “Oh! I’m fine, my dear. I’m not worried at all. I was… just thinking about tomorrow. I have a plan that will ruin Leandra’s life and I can’t wait to see her reaction,” she said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. She reached for a goblet of water, her fingers trembling ever so slightly as she lifted it to her lips. The cool liquid did little to quell the storm brewing within her. She needed to be sure, but going into the vault and finding the artifact might take hours. She couldn’t waste too much time because she needed her rest before the big day.

‘I should leave and take a look. It I find the Lifebloom, then I can make sure my body isn’t playing tricks on me. And I could get it ready as a gift for Rya, once this whole ordeal with Quinus marrying her is over. But if I’m also… then… No. Don’t think about that now,’ she thought as she finished the rest of her water in one gulp.

“I’m sorry to eat and run, everyone. But I’m feeling a little… under the weather. I think I’m going to retire to my chambers for the evening,” Queen Rianna said as she pushed her chair back.

Everyone stood up as the Queen stood from her seat. A sign of respect for the monarch.

King Cyndre looked at his wife with a concerned expression. “Are you sure you’re alright, Rianna? I can escort you.”

She smiled at her husband’s thoughtfulness, but she had to go alone. “I’m fine, my love. I just need some rest. You stay and enjoy the rest of the meal. I’ll see you in our chambers later,” she said, then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving. She looked at Ysandra Fairchild first. “Make sure you are here at 9 am sharp, Baroness. I want the three of us together for our meeting with the Duchess.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I will be there,” Ysandra said with a bow.

Queen Rianna then gave Rya a meaningful look, a silent promise that they would talk soon, before she turned and walked out of the dining hall. Her steps were measured and deliberate, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within her.

Gretchen, the Queen’s maid, hurried up to her mistress as soon as she saw her leave the dining hall. “Your Majesty, are you alright?”

“I need to go to the Royal Vault. Make sure no one follows us,” the Queen said, her voice a low, urgent whisper. The look in her eyes left no room for argument.

Gretchen’s eyes widened, but she nodded immediately. “Yes, Your Majesty. Right away.” She quickened her pace, her movements a fluid, graceful dance, as she guided the Queen through the winding corridors of the palace, her senses on high alert, her eyes scanning for any signs of danger.

The two women walked in silence, the only sound was the soft rustle of their gowns against the polished stone floors. It took about ten minutes to get to the lower levels of the palace where the vault was located. Once there, they had to pass by a few guards who were loyal to the Queen and King. Gretchen gave them a subtle nod, a silent command to stand aside, and they did so without question.

The Queen then placed her hand on a small, unassuming panel on the wall. A soft, golden light emanated from her palm, a complex series of glowing symbols appearing on the stone. Her wedding ring had an enchant that let her into the vault and it only responded to the King and Queen’s magical signature. The wall slid open with a low, grinding sound, revealing the entrance to a small, dimly lit room.

The Queen and Gretchen stepped into the room, and the wall slid shut behind them, plunging them into near darkness. The only light came from a series of crystal lamps that lined the walls, casting long, dancing shadows that seemed to writhe and twist like living things.

The Queen looked around, her eyes adjusting to the dim light.

“Here, my Queen. A magical torch,” Gretchen said, as she handed the Queen a small, silver orb. The Queen took it and it began to glow with a soft, warm light, illuminating the room.

The room was filled with shelves, each one lined with a variety of artifacts, treasures, and heirlooms. There were ancient swords, shimmering shields, and ornate chests, each one a testament to the long and storied history of the Meredydd dynasty.

She was looking for a small case that housed the Lifebloom artifact. She had to look through the old family heirlooms for about an hour before she found it.

She held the small, ornate box in her hands, her heart pounding in her chest. She opened it, and inside, nestled on a bed of velvet, was a small, clam that fit in the palm of her hand. When held the top shell would open and a crystal orb would light up if a woman was with child.

Rianna stared at the artifact that was passed down by her family line for generations. It was meant to bring happiness, but with all the miscarriages, it became an item that would bring her sorrow.

‘How many times did I look at you and you didn’t light up for me? And then it lit up for my sister when she had her first child,’ the Queen thought. She then took out the clam shell sitting in the case.

“Are you alright, my Queen?” Gretchen asked, a little worried about her mistress.

The Queen was so lost in her thoughts that she had forgotten that Gretchen was standing there. She quickly composed herself. “I’m fine, Gretchen. I just… needed to see something,” she said, her voice a little shaky.

She then took a deep breath and slowly brought her hand to the clam shell and placed it in her palm. She was scared to see the result. If it lit up, then her life would change forever. If it didn’t, then she could go on with her life as if nothing happened.

The clam shell’s top shell slowly opened like a blooming flower. Rianna held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest, her knuckles white as she gripped the bottom shell. And then like a light switch had turned on, the crystal orb glowed a soft golden color.

A gasp escaped the Queen’s lips. The light was undeniable, a brilliant, beautiful glow that illuminated her face. It was a confirmation, a truth that she could no longer deny.

“Y-Your Majesty!?” Gretchen gasped as she saw the light. She knew what the Lifebloom was for, and she knew what the light meant. It happened twenty years ago when the Queen finally got pregnant with Quinus. But unlike last time it was brighter. Or maybe it seemed brighter because they were in the dark.

Rianna slowly brought her other hand up to her stomach, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over her. She had been told she was barren, that the poison Leandra had given her had stolen her chance to have another child. But here she was, holding a glowing orb, a symbol of new life, a symbol of a future she thought was lost. She was overjoyed, but she was also terrified. She was almost forty years old, a Queen of a powerful kingdom, and she was about to have a child in a world that was on the brink of war. And yet, Rya gave her hope that anyone foolish enough to attack them would be dealt with in a timely manner. A image of her husband’s smiling face popped into her head and her heart raced and her loins ached for him. She wanted to tell him so badly. But she didn’t know how to say something like this. ‘He’s going to be a father again… A-and I’m going to be a mother again… I need to see him… I-I need him now…’ She thought as she slowly closed the clam shell. She then placed it back in its case and handed it to Gretchen.

The maid was confused why her Queen didn’t say a word and had a look of determination on her face. “Your Majesty? Are you—”

“We’re going back to my chambers. I need to change into something more comfortable,” the Queen said, her voice a low, sultry murmur. “And once Rya is officially my daughter in law, I wish to give her the Lifebloom as a wedding gift.”She turned and walked out of the vault, her movements a fluid, graceful dance, a testament to her renewed confidence. A genuine smile was on her face.

Gretchen’s eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded, a sly grin spreading across her face. She had seen that look on her mistress’s face before, a look that told her that the Queen was going to get what she wanted, a look that promised a night of passion and pleasure. “Right away, Your Majesty. And if you need me to bring you anything else to… eat, just let me know,” she said, a playful glint in her eye.

“Y-Yes… It seems I will need to get my strength up for the… long months ahead,” the Queen said, a sly grin on her face as she blushed a little.