𝒯𝒽ℯ ℛ𝒾𝓈ℯ 𝒪𝒻 𝒜 𝒬𝓊ℯℯ𝓃

Chapter |5| Deep Down Below

A R A B E L L A ' S P.O.V

It must have been hours before I unlocked the bathroom door. Hardin had stopped trying to get me to come out, two hours ago, and my heart deflated slightly but a part of me was also relieved.

He recognised that I needed space, away from him, and my title. I just needed some time to be me.

Arabella, orphan girl, or supposed orphan.

This woman had completely rocked my world, her words had become tattooed on my brain, and her face was a constant haunting.

I had slipped into our bed, Hardin fast asleep on the right hand on side and me on the left as it had always been. My stomach was starting to settle after vomiting for what felt like hours and I honestly didn't know how since I had barely eaten today.

The moon was beaming in from the slightly cracked open window and I smiled. The pregnancy had caused my temperature to rocket, meaning I couldn't sleep without a cold draft wafting in, and ever since I told Hardin that, he has opened the window for me every night and sleeps with an extra blanket to protect himself from the cold.

The ceiling was almost black in the dark, yet I could envision something on it. Something white, swirling around to form an image. A mother, a child, laughing and happy.

I want that more than anything, for my baby and myself. Happiness. True blissful glee.

And for that to happen, I needed to know the truth.

Sneaking a quick glance at Hardin, I smiled when I noticed him snoring softly, wrapping the blanket around him tighter as his body shivered slightly from the cold.

I placed one foot on the frozen floor, stepping the other out too. My slippers and robe were by the bathroom door, so I quietly padded across the room and quickly put them on.

Our door was made of heavy oak, meaning it creaked slightly when it opened. I braced myself for the noise, wincing as I watched Hardin roll over. Yet, he was still fast asleep.

I shut it the same way and then walked down the hallway, towards the stairs, where two guards were posted. Nodding my head, they glanced at me, and then at each other in confusion.

Finally, Ronald step up. "Your Majesty, where are you going at this hour?"

"The baby is craving some milk and cookies," I was thankful we had announced the pregnancy today, since midnight cravings were the best excuse when wanting to sneak out.

"I will send someone up then." Crap, of course their macho overprotectiveness would put a wrench in my plans.

"No need to wake someone up for some milk and cookies, and besides I want to do it. The baby is restless, meaning I am too. A walk will do me good."

Ronald glanced back at his friend, and nodded, before turning to me with a tired smile. "Then we will go with you."

For fuck's sake. "There's no need for that."

"We insist." They said simultaneously.

"No! I'm the Queen, and I'm perfectly capable of walking to my kitchen and getting some milk."