The Kingdom

38

Keira looked around realizing how everything was different from her kingdom. The chamber where the two maids had taken her was huge compared to hers in her village. There was a bed and other wooden furniture and even some art on the walls. Candleholders with white candles burning so the space could have some lights and two windows with wooden blinds. A huge fireplace burning in front of the bed. It was much warmer there. At a corner, a large tin where she assumed was to bathe. The two maids walked back and forth like busy bees, taking water to the tin but she kept frozen in the middle of the chamber holding Edward close to her. Not a word had been shared with her. She didn't know if it was their traditions not to address their superiors or because of her origins. Suddenly, the baby moved and made a face and burst into a loud cry again.

"It's ok..." Keira whispered and touched her lips to his forehead to try to calm him.

"He must be hot." The older woman stopped in front of her. Keira looked at her a bit startled, not knowing what to say or how to address her. "The bath is ready. We added some herbs..."

"Thank you." Her voice choked. She was still trembling but probably of fear. Then, the woman stretched her arms to grab Edward and Keira stepped away.

"I can take care of him while you bathe."

"My lady..." A man's voice was heard and Keira took a deep breath relieved James was there.

"Your highness." The woman bowed.

"She is your lady, Myra." James repeated. "That's how you address her."

"I mean no disrespect." Myra replied. "I was just doing my duty. I took care of you too." James nodded.

"I just wanted to clarify things." Then, he looked at Keira. "You can give her our son." Keira looked at him reluctant. If Myra was loyal to anyone it would be to the king and she saw in the king's face that he was not pleased with James's choices. "Give her the baby, sweetheart." James approached her and grabbed Edward. Keira let go, but her eyes set on her son as Myra took him in his arms.

"Oh..." The old woman giggled. "He might have red hair, but he sure looks like you when you were this little." She smiled at James. "He is hot." She then smiled at Keira and unrolled the furs. "It's warm inside and he is hot. That's why he is crying."

"I know..." Keira whispered feeling insecure.

"I'll leave you now to bathe." Myra bowed and started walking away. Instinctively, Keira gave a step ahead to go after her.

"No." James told her and she looked back at him with her eyes wide open showing distress. "It's safe. She is going to take care of him. That is all."

"Are you sure?" Her heart racing.

"Let's get cleaned." He leaned over and kissed her lips. "We do stink. My father is right." Keira laughed.

"Do you have a different chamber?" She asked. James walked to the thick wood door and closed it.

"No." He smiled, beginning to take his clothes off. "I was sent to another chamber but I came here and I'll stay here."

"I want Edward here too." She crossed her arms over her chest. James, bare chest, wrapped his hands on her wrists to unfold her arms and then their hands united.

"Trust me, Keira." He looked in her eyes. "Our son is safe and so are we." She nodded. "Now, let's get inside that tin and get rid of this smell."

"I'm hungry." She complained.

"They will bring food soon." James kissed her lips.

James pulled his filthy pants down and stepped out of it and stared at Keira who had remained immovable. Her eyes set on his as if she was still doubtful.