Sacrifices For Love (Soukoku)

II

"Where's that fortune teller?" The King exclaimed in rage as he made hi way through the castle's hallways,  slamming the door open to the doctor's office.

The doctor frantically tried to convince the other to calm down as she did her best to stop the king from entering.

As on cue,  cries of a new-born baby echoed throughout the office.  The king ceased his actions for a mere second before resuming his approach to the Queen who was protectively hugging the baby in her arms, trying in vain to calm the baby down.

It seemed as if the baby sensed the King's anger and would not stop crying.

"Explain why is a boy born instead of a girl?"

The Queen bit her lip,  her body was still recovering from labour as she muttered,  "I have no idea how this happened.  But... But he's still our child." The brunette claimed bravely as the king sighed,  massaging his temples before nodding.

He left in a hurry,  wanting to speak with the fortune teller immediately. 

---

The brunette still lying on the bed, silently prayed to all gods out there for the fortune's teller's safety. While she was praying, the king had the ginger kneeling on her knees, her head looking downwards.

The king, sitting confidently in his throne sternly asked, "Tell me the truth. Did you know it was going to be a boy?"

"I did not know, your majesty. My fortune telling skills told me it was a girl."

"You failed as a master of fortune telling. Now tell me, do you have any children? I heard you had a husband after all. Who is he?"

The ginger gulped before saying calmly and still composed, "My husband has went missing in the woods. I have no children."

The king sighed, "How pitiful. Your execution will be scheduled tomorrow. Say your goodbyes."

With a gesture, the guards dragged the fortune teller roughly out of the room.

The king stood, walking back to the doctor's office. He had finally calmed down and was ready to see his 'son'. He hated how it tasted on his tongue. The word 'son'. He was looking forward for a beautiful daughter that could be married and paired with the son of the powerful kingdom near them. He had to kiss that option goodbye now.

Sensing that the king's anger was quelled, the doctor lead the way to the queen who had fell asleep to rest, baby still curled up in her arms, which were wrapped around the newborn like vines wrapping around a fruit. 

The king reached out to his baby, eyes softening that for a second, he felt love for this child of his. Instead, his hands retracted immediately, arms folding behind his back strictly as he walked out of the office silently. The doctor looked on sadly as he glanced back at the queen before smiling softly at the baby who looked peaceful.

---

This world was a merge of historical value and modern technology, where humans and monsters and other unearthly beings lived together. The world was separated by different kingdoms, lead by different kings, both humans and powerful creatures.

Despite the peaceful exterior of the kingdoms, there were many horrors dwelling in them. 

In the kingdom of Mizukiri, the king, who was born in a family full of psychic users, who were renown casters who had built the barrier around the kingdom for protection. The barrier has been set for many decades now, being kept alive by each generation. The queen who the king fell in love with was surprisingly a mere farmer's daughter who had a talent in herbs and healing potions. 

Her potions started a trading business in the kingdom, making the economy rise and allowing the kingdom of Mizukiri to gain many money opportunities and made friends with all the kingdoms.

The king was hoping for his son to get a important gift, similar to his psychic powers to replace the fortune teller's unfortunate telling of the baby's gender. Despite his usual loving demeanour, a mistake in a fortune teller's telling lead to death due to the danger of a telling to be a mistake that could lead to wars and other complications.

His son though had something much more precious...many failed to see it though.