Rebirth (A Remington Leith AU)

Chapter 42

An hour or more had passed as our mother and Lillian had been talking and explaining what has happened since the last time they were together. Lillian found peace in her heart to know her mother never stopped loving her and our mother, while she still felt guilty about giving up one of her daughters, felt less bad about herself knowing she still got to see both her children again. Lillian thanked me for helping her connect with our mother which she believed would be impossible, but I reassured her that I would do anything to help the people I love. With that in mind, I remembered the situation at hand concerning Lillian's discovery and upcoming trial. I excused myself to find Remington who was sitting in the garden, looking like he was thinking to himself while he was waiting for me. Once he noticed me approaching him, he stood up to stand in front of me and asked, "Is everything okay, Lulu?" I nodded and told him, "Yes, for now." That threw him off as he questioned me, "What do you mean 'for now'?" I asked for us to sit down before I explained my fears for me and my sister.

"I'm happy my family is together again and I got to meet the part of me I didn't realize I was missing. But I'm afraid this came at the worst time possible and I won't be able to enjoy my sister's existence for much longer. I don't want her to be wrongfully punished or worse by the monarchy, but I know if I intervene, I'll be exposed and I might be punished just as much if not worse. Still, I need to do the right thing and help protect my family, even if it means I might never see them again." I felt something take my hand and I looked up at Remington who had desperation in his face as he begged me, "Luella, please consider me in your decision. If you get punished, your family won't be the only ones who will feel pain. I've come to love you too much to lose you. I promise on my honor as a ruler of this kingdom and as your husband that I will take your secret to my grave while also keeping your family safe." He looked like he was on the verge on breaking down in tears, and it was hard to see him heartbroken like this.

I pulled him closer to me and held him tightly as we cried in each other's arms. As much as I wanted to stay with him forever, I couldn't let this go knowing I would be refraining from doing what I need to do. I pulled away from our hug to kiss him softly and sweetly before telling him, "Believe me, Remington. I want nothing more than to be with the people I love risk-free. But I owe it to myself and my family to do what's right and show this kingdom how I'm taking responsibility as a ruler to set things straight. Please know that, no matter what happens, I've loved you before even meeting you and I'll never regret the events in my life that led me to you." He was still sad about my choice but he nodded, knowing that it was the right thing to do and his support would only help motivate me to follow through with this decision. We later told my mother and sister about what I wanted to do and it was to tell the truth and pardon Lillian for choosing to live her life following her heart. It was a tough decision, but they praised me for my selfless decision.

That night, I laid with Remington for what might be our last night together. He held me close and admired my features with a warm and genuine smile. His gazes never failed to fluster me and I laid a hand on his cheek as I gently caressed it, his skin was rough but always so soft when he was relaxed and calm, especially with me. I thought back to everything we've been through and realized how much I loved him and didn't want to let him go. "Lulu, what about our baby?", he asked me, I was confused,"What do you mean, Remington?" He gently explained, "If we tell the high monarchy that we've been able to conceive an heir, maybe they'll spare you and your sister. They can't do anything to you if you're carrying the next ruler of this kingdom." His words made me think about my choice. I knew I could be selfish and defy the high monarchy from what they wanted to do. But that would make me a liar and terrible example of a ruler. I don't want that for my family's legacy and especially for my baby who would look up to me and Remington as it's role models.

I shook my head as I told him, "As much as it sounds like a good idea, Remington", I looked in his eyes as he prepared himself for my response, "I don't want to use our child as a means of escape. It deserves so much more than that and if it ever finds out what I had to do to protect myself, it will never look at me like a good mother. I'm sorry, Remington, but I have to confess to the monarchy and take the consequences no matter how severe they may be. If you love and respect me, you'll stand by my side and let me do this, please." He looked slightly disappointed, but he nodded as he leaned in to kiss my forehead and say to me, "Of course, my love. Forgive me for suggesting such a thing. It seems desperation can make me irrational in my decisions." I snuggled closer under Remington's chin and into his chest to reassure him, "Don't be so hard on yourself, Remington. You're only human. I understand you love me and our baby. Just promise to take care of us both until the end." He wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly and securely before whispering to me softly, "I promise. Until my last dying breath."