Made to be a Queen

Chapter 18

Luna

Alison's screams were due to the onset of contractions, signaling the impending arrival of her baby. She was already bleeding, and the situation looked dire. Gabrielle, realizing the urgency of the situation, halted the carriage, and I was helped to the back to lay Alison down. Although I had no prior experience in delivering a baby, my determination to bring the child safely into the world compelled me to act.

Gabrielle handed me towels to wipe away the blood, while Alison's cries of pain filled the cramped space. "Push," I encouraged her, trying to maintain my composure. The baby's head began to emerge, filling me with hope. "More, come on, you can do it, Alison! The baby is coming!"

"I can't!" Alison screamed; desperation evident in her voice.

"Yes, you can," I insisted firmly, resolute in my determination. "This is your baby, and you must deliver this baby now!"

With all her strength, Alison pushed, and the baby's head and body slipped into my trembling hands. He let out a cry, a symbol of life amidst the chaos. I cradled him close, exchanging glances with Gabrielle, but when I looked back at Alison, she had turned pale and took her final breath in her brother's arms, leaving us with her newborn son.

"No!" I cried out in disbelief. "Is... is she gone?" I turned to Gabrielle, who was at a loss for words, unable to offer any solace.

The baby continued to cry loudly, and I whispered soothing words to him, attempting to calm his newly arrived world. "Shhh... It's okay. You're okay." I realized that he was a boy and briefly left the carriage, carrying him with me as I walked amongst the trees. His cries gradually subsided, and I found myself captivated by his beautiful blue eyes.

I cradled the newborn baby close to me, making sure he was wrapped snugly in a warm blanket to protect him from the cold. His tiny form nestled against me, and I held him with all the care and tenderness. When I got inside the carriage, I discovered Gabrielle dead, his blood-soaked hands floating around. He wanted to follow his sister, and the baby stayed with me, in the middle of nowhere, with a horse, while I was helpless and in the middle of nowhere. I dismounted the horse from the carriage and got him ready to leave in order to find a spot for the baby and I. The only option therefore was to return, but where? I'm not sure.

Maeve

"Luna!" I woke up, disoriented and heavily breathing. I found myself in a luxurious bed, my arm cuffed and in excruciating pain from the injuries I had sustained. My leg and arm were bandaged, and I was only half dressed. I glanced around the opulent room, perplexed by the unfamiliar surroundings. My weapons and Luna's knife lay on a nearby table, reminding me of the attack I had endured. What had happened? Was I dreaming, or was this some sort of heaven? Just then, the door opened.

"Good morning!" It was the same woman who had attacked me, her expression a strange mix of sadness and happiness.

"Who are you, and why am I here?" I demanded, my confusion and apprehension mounting.

"So many questions," she mused, taking a seat beside me. "I'll answer yours, but you'll have to answer one of mine first. Who are you?"

"Very well," I replied. "My name is Maeve. I'm a commander from the Nightshade Kingdom. Now, it's your turn."

She smiled gently. "Let me clarify something for you. This is not the Nightshade Kingdom. This is the Goldendale Kingdom. Our kingdom, which has been ravaged by invaders."

"I've heard of the conflict," I said, trying to piece things together. "But why resort to killing innocent people?"

"It's war, Maeve," she replied coldly. "In war, people die."