Fate II

CCXX

The ancient magic that Kougyoku had cast remained undetected by all for the ensuing few months, the spell continuing to gather more and more magoi from its surrounding area to achieve the greatest result that would fulfill its caster's wish. As events went unnoticed, before they knew it, Fall had arrived. The once beautifully blooming flowers had now turned a warm, mellow shade of red and orange as all forms of life prepared for the following winter months. With the arrival of Fall, Lucy was now three months pregnant.

"Mama!" Sikandar opened the doors to her room and ran excitedly to his mother.

"Sikandar," Lucy smiled lovingly at her child who was like a little bundle of joy.

Since his fifth birthday, he had matured quite a bit within the few three months and was now accompanying Sinbad in morning audiences with the Royal Officials and Administrators, providing his insight and judgment to the events that were discussed. Despite his young age, he showed overwhelming talent and novel insight, earning the praises of many as they all looked forward to what the future held in store for the young, bright prince. But, he continued to remain attached to Lucy, only acting his age and reverting back to a child in front of her.

"Did your lessons go smoothly today?" she patted him on the head.

"Yes! The teachers even praised me!" he beamed proudly.

"I see," Lucy softened her eyes in affection.

"Sikandar will study harder and become a great ruler like Royal Father!" Sikandar exclaimed with beaming, sparkling eyes, his amber eyes shining with resolve and determination. "Then, I can shoulder Mama's burden and Mama can finally relax as the Queen Dowager! Sikandar will definitely let Mama live a carefree life!"

Lucy widened her eyes and smiled fondly, picking Sikandar up and situating him on her lap as she pulled him into a warm embrace.

"How can our Sikandar be so cute?" she chuckled. "It seems I've given birth to a lovely angel."

Sikandar chuckled embarrassingly and Lucy patted his head as he sat there on her lap happily. He glanced at her stomach and pursed his lips, still not comfortable at the idea that he would be gaining a sibling but, he couldn't say much about it for he didn't wish to upset his mother. But, Lucy was his mother. Anything that pertained to him didn't go unnoticed.

It seems he's taken after Sinbad in that regard, she smiled ambivalently.

"But you know, Sikandar," Lucy caressed his cheek lovingly as she gazed into his amber eyes which reminded her of the man she loved, "a ruler can only be a great ruler because he has people he can rely on. He has people who have vowed to stand by his side, supporting him and swearing their undying loyalty to him on the path he has decided to walk. In turn, he has placed his unwavering trust in them. It is only because he has those who are willing to share the burden with him that he can devote his entirety to his Kingdom, his people, and his family."

"Just like Royal Father and the Generals?"

Lucy softened her eyes. "Yes."

"But what if those people betray that person's trust?"

She smiled. "Then the fault lies in the person that had misplaced their trust in them."

"Even though it was them who had betrayed his trust?"

"They may have betrayed him but, at the end of the day, he was the one who chose to place his trust in them. Any decisions a King makes will have consequences and so, would it not be up to him to bear the responsibility of his mistake?"