Royally Interested

Chapter 31

It wasn't long before the winter was upon us. It turns out that Wedlyn could get a little...icy during this time of year. It was cold, wet , and there were snow everywhere. I can't remember the last time I was this cold but I knew it was something I'd just have to get used to now.

"look, look , look !" I said watching Evander take 3 steps forward and fall back unto his bottom before turning back around to Rysand seeing him stand with a proud smile.

"He's getting pretty good. Soon he'll be running around these halls." Rysand noted as he took a carrot stick from my bowl , hovering over us while he ate it.

"I know right !? I think he takes after his mother."

"His mother ? What ? No. I think he takes after his old man , look at the strength in his legs."

"Okay, we can go on and on and no one wins, or we could just be proud of our little boy." I said with a big smile picking Evander up as he reached his hands out to Rysand .

"See, I told you he takes after me." Rysand said cocky with a wink as I just shook my head walking out.

Things around the palace has been...quiet. After the storm nothing much has happened , but they say no news is good news right ?

"And?" Darla encouraged as I walked down the stairs.

"I couldn't do it." I said discouraged.

"Why not?" she continued to pry.

"Because I'm scared Darla, like really scared. " I said worried stopping in my tracks and looking at her.

"Of what ? Your husband? You know king Rysand won't even hurt a fly so why are you afraid of him ?"

"Oh I know that , I'm just afraid of what he'll think of me that's all. I mean... think about it , there are so many things that could go wrong here. He could get really mad. "

"Or really happy? why not give him the benefit of the doubt ? I think he'll surprise you. " She said making me raise my brow at what she was saying. Clearly she didn't know him as well as I did.

"You know this is going to change everything right ? Two babies in the palace ?"

"That's alright with me. I like babies. " Darla said with an almost affectionate smile.

"You know I can't argue with you when you're right." I said in defeat "fine ! I'm going , I'm going." I said walking back up stairs hearing Darla call behind me saying 'Good luck' . Yeah, luck. That's exactly what I need right now.

Opening our bedroom door I see Rysand swaying Evander and placing him into the bassinet before walking over to me and wrapping his arms around my waist.

"uh oh, somethings wrong." He noted sitting down and pulling me unto his lap as I couldn't even make eye contact. "What's wrong ?"

"I...have something to tell you. "

"alright, will I be mad ?"

"That depends on how you see it..."

"will I be happy ?"

"I hope so ?" I said softly as he put his index finger under my chin, lifting my head so I could meet his gaze .

"Than what is it ? "

"promise me you'll keep an open mind about this ?"

"Of course." he said as I took a deep breath before saying;

" I... have hired Casey to work in the palace clinic ." I said squinting my eyes shut .

"wait, that's it ? That's the big thing you wanted to tell me?" He said sounding almost surprised and dissapointed.

"yeah? Are you mad that I didn't ask you ?"

"No no no , on the contrary I think she could be a wonderful asset to the team. For a moment there I just thought..."

"You just thought what ?" I asked confused with a smile.

"I don't know it's silly really. I just thought you were pregnant."

"What ? Oh no trust me if I were pregnant, I would know and you'd be the first one to know. But we still have a few more years before that. So what's the rush right?" I said with a smile but seeing he didn't quite feel the same.

"yeah...I guess so. Look, I'm happy for you and Casey she'll fit in nicely. But I uh... have a meeting to attend. I'll see you later ?" He said looking almost disappointed as he stood up.

"yeah, sure. See you later." I said as I watched him walk out. I had no idea what has gotten him this way but it sure didn't seem good.

*****

"Thank you so much for taking me in queen Avalon. It was really nice of you to have given me this opportunity. "

"Oh it was no trouble at all , I think you'll be a great fit here. You can do your residency under our chief doctor and while you're working Darla can help take care of Maliyah. I just hope you'll find it to be a good fit here . I think you have a lot of protentional." I complimented showing her to her new room.

"Why thank you that's mighty kind of you. I just want you and the king to be happy with my work that's all. " She said with a kind smile as I handed her the last of her bags.

"Oh believe me, the king and I are more than happy having you here already. I'll have you settle in and then I'll see you tomorrow morning." I said before walking out. I was really happy that I could help out Casey . In a way she has almost grown as close to me as Opel and Darla has, I just want her to feel welcome.

"And how's Casey ?" Rysand asked -seeming better- while I passed the roast beef to him.

"She's good, settling in nice . oh ! That reminds me , I have Evander's check up tomorrow morning did you want to come along ?"

"what time is it again ?"

"8am."

"oh I'm so sorry sweetheart, I have a meeting with the governors at 8. But I'll trust you'll be alright."

"of course, I totally forgot. Yeah we'll be fine. I'll...see you after then ? Give you a debrief ?" I asked putting some mashed potatoes unto Evander's plate.

"Sure, that will be alright." He said with a smile looking over at Evander playing with his potatoes. "How fast he's grown up..." Rysand noted almost nostalgic as I looked over at Evander displaying the biggest smile, he seemed so happy and content.

"yeah, he...really has."

That's it ! Thank you so much for reading. Remember to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Until next time, keep howling my wolves. ❤🐺