A Traveler's Curse

Chapter 49- Time Jump

                           Five years later

I find myself sitting on a cozy blanket in the serene gardens of the castle. Beside me is Celestia and her adorable one-year-old son, Burton. Our attention is captured by the heartwarming sight of Elaria running and playing with Caldor, the three-year-old son of Caspian and me. As I marvel at their innocent joy, I feel a flurry of movement in my pregnant belly. Placing my hand gently over the growing bump, I can't help but smile.

With concern in her eyes, Celestia suggests, "It should be any day now. Are you sure you don't want to go into confinement?"

I stretch out, feeling a bit uncomfortable, and respond firmly, "No, I've already experienced that with Mavis and Caldor, and I hated it. I'm not going through it again. The whole confinement rule seems pointless, and Caspian agrees, despite the doctor's opinion." The memories of that isolated and lonely time still haunt me. "Besides, you didn't go through it with your children either."

"Yeah but I'm not a Queen. Shouldn't you be setting an example?" She teases.

"Me? Set an example. Never." I tease back as Caldor runs up and hugs me, handing me a butterfly and then running away to play with his older cousin more.

"I used to despise the fact that as women, we are expected to give our husbands many children. Continue the line. I never wanted to be a mother and now I couldn't picture myself as anything else. I loved being a warrior but the kingdom has been in peace for five years and those days are behind us." She winks at me.

"I comprehend the essence of your words quiet well, sister," I say, offering a warm smile. "I eagerly anticipate the joy that Sila and Sin will experience when they welcome their first child into the world. It is delightful to see her pregnancy finally becoming apparent."

"Your Majesty, Princess," a servant approaches us, extending a courteous greeting. "The king has returned and requests your immediate presence. Both of you."

We rise from our seats, and Celestia assists me due to the size of my round belly. We entrust the children to the care of Mrs. Beyu and head towards the throne room. The guards open the door, and Caspian greets me with a somber expression on his face.

"What has happened, my husband?" I inquire without delay.

"It is the Viena clan once again. They are marching towards us with a formidable army," he says, clenching his fists tightly. "Eirian and I witnessed their approach while returning home on Sky Reaper from Frostfire."

"What?" I gasp, my voice trembling as haunting memories of my past abduction by Arthur resurface. "We dealt with them years ago."

"That was my belief as well," he responds. "It seems they have been clandestinely plotting all these years. Despite the presence of the Astralites, there is a significant risk that the castle will fall. They are less than a day's ride away. Time is of the essence!" He strikes the wall with his fist, then withdraws it.

"Caspian!" Celestia exclaims, placing a hand over her mouth in shock. "What are we to do? And what about the safety of the children?"

"Both of you must ensure the safety of all the women and children. Gather provisions, food, and anything necessary. The Enchanted Oak possesses a hidden underground tunnel, concealed beneath a rug adorned with purple flames. It leads to a network of tunnels with multiple chambers, unknown to anyone. Seek refuge there," Caspian issues orders to Celestia, then turns to me. "Take Caldor and keep him safe. Let him know that I love him. Bring all the midwives in case the baby decides to arrive."

"What about you?" I ask, my voice quivering as he places his hands on my pregnant belly and draws me close.

"I must remain behind and defend the castle with the men. We shall join you there when it is safe, or if we have fallen," he murmurs almost inaudibly, his words heavy with emotion.

He tenderly kisses me before departing from the room, issuing commands to the guards and everyone else to prepare for the impending attack. Celestia takes hold of my hand and guides me into the hallways, where we divide our responsibilities. We inform all the women and children to gather at the front entrance, bringing along as many provisions as they can carry.

Within a matter of hours, everyone congregates at the front gate, attempting to remain composed and comforting the distressed cries of children and infants.

"We have no alternative but to seek refuge until it is deemed safe to return," I announce firmly, standing prominently at the forefront of the group, accompanied by Sila and Celestia, alongside the children. "The men will remain here to defend the castle."

In the midst of dissenting opinions, a chorus of protests rises from the crowd, but there is no time for debates. My sole responsibility is to ensure the safety of my people. Alongside Celestia, we lead them stealthily through the dense forest, careful to avoid being detected. Just before we reach the town, Greta casts an invisibility spell, concealing our presence. The remaining members of The Bray are left behind, obligated to serve whoever emerges victorious in the war.

Silently, we traverse the town, concealed beneath the cloak of invisibility, until we arrive at The Enchanted Oak, which stands eerily empty. The Astralites must have already departed to join the battle.

Greta dispels the invisibility spell, and we uncover a rug adorned with purple flames, revealing a hidden trapdoor beneath it. Celestia and I assist each woman and child, one by one, to descend into the depths below. Finally, it is my turn, and Celestia gently guides me down.

The tunnels exude an air of abandonment, bearing the marks of disuse for an extended period. We continue onward until we reach the side chambers that Caspian had described to me. In one room, we store the provisions - food, water, and other supplies. In another, Mrs. Beyu and a few servants attend to the children. The remaining rooms, despite their age and mustiness, offer ample shelving, storage space, and beds.

A slight twinge in my stomach catches my attention, but I dismiss it, focusing on unpacking the supplies and ensuring that fires are lit in each room for warmth. Hours pass as we toil, striving to create a semblance of comfort in this subterranean refuge.

The pain intensifies, migrating to my lower back, and the realization dawns upon me: I am in labor.

"Damn it. Fetch the midwife. The baby is on its way," I urgently instruct Celestia.

"Now?" she responds, taken aback.

"Now," I affirm.