A Kingdom Reforged (JOONGDUNK)

Chapter 12: The Revelation of Pregnancy

Dunk's Private Chambers

The chapter opens in Dunk's private chambers, a space that has slowly become more familiar to him over the weeks since his arrival at the palace. The room is spacious, with large windows that let in the morning light, and is furnished with rich tapestries, a grand bed, and personal touches that Joong has added over time—books Dunk enjoys, a carefully selected wardrobe, and fresh flowers that are changed daily.

Despite the luxury, Dunk feels a sense of unease. Something in him has felt off for days—he's been unusually tired, his moods unpredictable, and his body feels different in a way he can't quite place. The realization that his body is not just reacting to stress begins to dawn on him.

Dunk sits on the edge of his bed, staring out the window as the morning sun filters through the curtains. He feels a strange fluttering sensation in his stomach, a feeling he's been trying to ignore for days. He's also noticed that his appetite has changed—foods he once loved now make him nauseous, while others that he never cared for suddenly seem appealing.

He tries to brush it off as the result of the stress he's been under, but deep down, he knows something is wrong. His thoughts drift back to the night he spent with Joong, the night that changed everything between them. Could it be...? He shakes his head, not wanting to believe the possibility.

A knock on the door interrupts his thoughts, and a servant enters, bringing breakfast. Dunk thanks him but barely touches the food, his mind preoccupied. The servant hesitates before leaving, noticing Dunk's pallor. "Your Grace, is everything all right?" the servant asks, concern evident in his voice.

Dunk forces a smile. "I'm fine. Just tired."

The servant nods but looks unconvinced. After he leaves, Dunk sighs and pushes the tray of food away. The fluttering sensation in his stomach intensifies, and he suddenly feels lightheaded. Deciding he can't ignore the symptoms any longer, he makes his way to the small, private sitting room adjacent to his chambers, where he keeps a stash of herbs and remedies.

In the sitting room, Dunk pours himself a cup of herbal tea, hoping it will settle his stomach. As he sips the tea, his mind races, piecing together the symptoms he's been experiencing. The exhaustion, the nausea, the mood swings—it all adds up to a possibility he's been too afraid to consider.

Setting the cup down, Dunk places a hand on his stomach, his heart pounding. He tries to steady his breathing, but the reality of what he's feeling is undeniable. Could he be pregnant? The thought sends a shockwave through him. It's something he never imagined, something that seemed impossible, yet the signs are all there.

He stands up abruptly, nearly knocking over the tea in his haste. His mind reels as he tries to process the implications. If he's truly pregnant, it changes everything—his relationship with Joong, his future, his entire life.

Panic begins to set in as he realizes the gravity of the situation. He needs confirmation, but the thought of seeking out a healer terrifies him. What if the news spreads? What if Joong finds out before he's ready to confront him?

Dunk's panic grows as the day progresses. He avoids Joong, retreating further into his chambers and refusing to see anyone. By evening, he knows he can't avoid the truth any longer. He needs to know for certain.

He calls for one of the palace healers, a discreet and trusted woman who has served the royal family for years. When she arrives, Dunk is visibly anxious, pacing the room as she sets down her bag of tools and herbs.

"Your Grace," the healer says gently, "what troubles you?"

Dunk hesitates, his hands trembling slightly. "I... I need you to check something. I've been feeling... different lately. I need to know if..." He trails off, unable to say the words.

The healer nods, understanding immediately. "Lie down, Your Grace. Let me see what I can find."

Dunk does as she asks, lying down on the bed and closing his eyes as the healer begins her examination. The room is silent except for the sound of Dunk's breathing, which grows more uneven with each passing moment.

After what feels like an eternity, the healer finally speaks. "Your Grace... you are with child."

The words hit Dunk like a blow. He sits up abruptly, his eyes wide with shock. "Are you sure?"

The healer nods, her expression sympathetic. "There is no doubt. You are in the early stages, but the signs are clear."

Dunk's mind races, a mixture of emotions swirling within him—fear, confusion, disbelief. He presses a hand to his stomach, the reality of the situation sinking in. He's pregnant. With Joong's child.

Dunk spends the next few days in a state of turmoil, trying to come to terms with the reality of his pregnancy. He avoids Joong even more, making excuses to stay in his chambers or take long walks in the palace gardens where he won't be disturbed.

The fear of how Joong will react to the news consumes him. Will Joong be pleased? Angry? Will he see this as just another way to control Dunk? The thought of Joong using the pregnancy against him, trapping him even further, is unbearable.

One evening, Dunk sits alone in the garden, staring up at the stars as he tries to gather the courage to tell Joong the truth. He knows he can't hide it forever—the physical signs will become too obvious soon. But the thought of confronting Joong fills him with dread.

As he sits there, lost in thought, he hears footsteps approaching. He turns to see Joong walking toward him, his expression concerned. "Dunk, you've been avoiding me," Joong says, his voice gentle but with an edge of worry. "Is something wrong?"

Dunk's heart races as he realizes the moment has come. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Joong... there's something I need to tell you."

Joong steps closer, his concern deepening. "What is it?"

Dunk hesitates, his fear almost paralyzing him. But he knows he can't keep this secret any longer. He looks up at Joong, his eyes filled with anxiety. "I'm... I'm pregnant."

Joong's reaction is immediate. His eyes widen in shock, and he stares at Dunk, speechless for a moment. Then, to Dunk's surprise, a look of pure joy spreads across Joong's face. "Pregnant?" he repeats, his voice filled with awe. "Are you sure?"

Dunk nods, his heart pounding. "The healer confirmed it."

Joong's expression softens with a mixture of happiness and relief. He reaches out, taking Dunk's hand in his. "Dunk, this is... this is wonderful news."

Dunk is taken aback by Joong's reaction, the fear that had been gnawing at him slowly dissipating. But even as Joong's joy becomes apparent, Dunk feels a pang of doubt. "But... what does this mean for us?" he asks, his voice trembling slightly. "Are you... are you going to use this against me?"

Joong's expression shifts from joy to concern as he realizes the depth of Dunk's fear. He steps closer, his grip on Dunk's hand tightening. "Dunk, I would never do that. This child... it's a symbol of our future together, not a weapon. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to protect you and our child."

Dunk's eyes fill with tears, a mixture of relief and overwhelming emotion. "I was so scared, Joong. I didn't know how you would react."

Joong pulls Dunk into a gentle embrace, holding him close. "You don't have to be afraid anymore. We'll face this together. You and me, and our child. We'll make this work."

As Dunk leans into Joong's embrace, he feels the last of his fears melt away. For the first time since discovering his pregnancy, he feels a sense of hope, a belief that they can build a future together as a family.