Court of Darkness

12. It's all an act - Nicki

Her relationship with Alexander had changed a lot in the last few weeks. The king visited her every day after her cry session. At first he had kept asking her permission to touch her belly until she had stared to automatically place his hand on it. They now shared meals and even slept in the same bed, after she had fallen asleep on the couch in his arms. She had mentioned that she hadn't slept that well in months. Alexander had suggested that they could sleep in the same bed without any hesitation. She had accepted the offer. He did prefer his room though, due to safety measures. Nicki noticed that she missed Alexander on the nights that he was running late due to meetings. She truly slept better with Alexander's arms around her. She felt more safe. So Alexander had moved some of his meetings for her. He had said that he didn't mind it at all.

"Anything for the mother of my child." He had sounded like some lovesick puppy. Everything was going according to plan. Soon the throne would be hers.

Nicki was currently standing in the hallway, rubbing her belly as she watched how servants moved her stuff to Alexander's room. She was 21 weeks now. The baby was starting to get more and more active. Alexander had suggested that she would move in with him. He had pointed out that they were already sleeping in the same bed so she might as well move in. That way she had all her things without needing to leave his room. She had agreed because it made her worries about her safety go away. It also meant that she was another step closer to becoming queen.

Nicki groaned slightly when she felt the baby kick. Suddenly she felt strong arms around her and someone placed a kiss on her cheek. Alex. "Is the little one kicking?"

She didn't even need to see his face to know that he was smiling. He was always smiling when he saw her these days.

"Yes, the baby are very active today. Someone took moving day a bit too literally. Did you get any interesting reports this evening?" Alexander sighed as she asked him the work related question. He tried to avoid talking about the subject. He had mentioned several times that he wanted to focus on her but Nicki couldn't help it. She was curious to the ins and outs. She was usually the one providing intel but now she knew almost nothing.

"Just some little things like the rebels trying to attack a noble. You know who always wins, love." He started to distract her by kissing her neck. Nicki giggled and tried to make him stop.

"Alexander! The servants are looking. You need to behave." She was playing her role perfectly. It felt natural to her these days. She was his lover now and only had to deal with Alexander's hugs and kisses.

"Oh? And you're ashamed of me? I don't mind that they're seeing this. They won't tell a soul what's happening on this wing." He placed another kiss on her neck. She placed her hands on his and looked at him.

"Love, you might not mind it but I prefer to be somewhat professional around the servants. I used to be one of them. Trust me, it's weird to see your master in a nonprofessional setting." Alexander finally stopped with kissing her neck but his hands never left her belly.

"Fine, I'll behave. But tonight you'll let me shower you with affection, alright?" She nodded at him and gave him a smile.

"Alright. You have a deal, my sweet king." Alexander let out a low chuckle. She felt flutters in her stomach. That damn chuckle of his.

"Ah, I love it when you call me that. It's a stupid title but when you say it, it makes me feel special." He placed a kiss on her cheek.

"I'll see you after work. I'll do my best to finish on time so you're still awake by the time I return. I know you're sleeping earlier these days because of the pregnancy. I apologise that you sometimes fall asleep without me. I hate it when you sleep alone." Nicki hated it too. She felt vulnerable if she slept without Alexander next to her.

"Alex, I've told you it's fine. You're the king. Your job is important. I've officially moved in with you so you don't feel the pressure to make time for me. You'll always see me when you have spare time." Alexander sighed loudly.

"I know... but it still makes me feel like shit. Sometimes I wish I wasn't the king. Then I would have more time for you." Nicki leaned with her back against his muscular chest.

"You can't change who you are Alex and you know that I don't want you to change. Now no more excuses and get back to work. We'll be fine. The servants are almost done with moving anyways. Now hurry up before you're late for your meeting." Alexander kissed her cheek one more time before letting go of her.

"Just send someone if you need me." Nicki gestured for him to leave.

"You know I will. Now be a good king and shoo!" Alexander chuckled at that and went to the war room to attend his meeting.