Descendants of the Dragons

Life without Kael

Mei Lin sobbed and cried day in and out. She knew couldn't stay like that forever. Once she was done crying, she tried to spend time with Mother Laila, Jannel, Mei Jone and SoKael to keep herself busy. Somehow, they all cooperated to keep her occupied.

Mother Laila found time to have other hobbies, liked painting and tried to talk Mei Lin into it. She wasn't keen, unlike Mei Jone. Thus, Mei Lin was used as a model a couple of times, as it allowed her to rest yet spend time chatting with them.

Mei Lin continued to take care of her plants, studying the books she was given about them or writing herself, Mei Lin didn't see the hours pass. Jannel and Mei Jone would join her often, too, and study from her as well as exchange her knowledge on the matter. Somehow, they started to work on new species, trying to grow sprouts that would survive at the borders.

This little project was keeping Consort Mei Lin busy, and also helping her remember that, sometime soon, she would be able to go back there with Kael. Anything was good to keep herself busy. However, her workaholic behaviours started worrying them a bit, as it never seemed like Mei Lin had taken a break, despite her belly growing quickly. Mei Lin was way too busy.

They got worried and started watching her from even closer. They realised Consort Mei Lin was stealing naps here and there thus they were slightly more relieved. 

Her pregnancy was also a big help in keeping Mei Lin from tiring herself out. Somehow, reaching the fifth month in a few weeks soon got her more tired than ever before, and she started taking naps by herself. Moreover, her big belly was incapacitating her in several ways, giving Jannel, Min Jone and Mother Laila more excuses to stay around and help her.

After a few more days, however, Mei Lin could tell something was wrong. There was no way Mother Laila hadn't gotten any news about the war yet. It had been more than a month already. Whenever Mei Lin mentioned it to her, Mother Laila pretended like she was going to ask about it soon, or was waiting to hear from some of her spies. Mei Lin insisted once again, and this time would persist until she got the truth.

Things were complicated when he arrived. The Republicans were in our land. Therefore, Kael has to wipe out the enemy and push them back to the frontier.

Mei Lin feeling concerned suggested, "I'll prepare first aid kits for the military. Part of the Army had learnt from me and they can share the knowledge with the rest." Everyone gathered and gave Consort Mei Lin a hand. Mei Jone helped to arrange for transportation and distribution of those kits. 

Meanwhile, SoKeal pulled Mother Laila aside to discuss plans to rid the rats in the capital. However, Mother Laila had assured her that the 2nd Prince could not do anything as she had him on house arrest under strict surveillance. Mother Laila said to her, "However, we need to be ready. The tension in the capital is getting worse, we need to prepare to leave anytime at any moment even back at my place. Meanwhile, I'll request to take our leave to let Mei Lin have her babies at my place. I have gotten everything ready."

King Aldric was proud of and supported Consort Mei Lin's work. He also had approved to let them return to Mother's Laila place as it was only an hour away from the capital. 

As they returned and settled down, Consort Mei Lin approached, her steps hesitant as she sensed the undercurrents of tension and worry that lingered in the air. The soft rustling of her gown echoed her apprehension as she looked between Mother Laila and the others, concern etching lines into her delicate features.

"Is everything alright?" Mei Lin asked, her voice laced with unease as she instinctively cradled her swollen belly. The weight of the impending birth was becoming more pronounced, the occasional twinges of discomfort reminding her of how close the moment was. She could see the strain in Mother Laila's usually calm demeanour and felt an unsettling pang in her own heart.

Mother Laila, ever the nurturing figure, offered a warm, reassuring smile, though it barely reached her eyes. She placed a gentle hand over Mei Lin's belly rubbing her unborn grandchildren.

"Everything is alright, dear," she said softly, her voice carrying the kind of maternal warmth that could soothe even the most troubled souls. "Only two more weeks, and they will be here. Aren't you excited?"

Mei Lin nodded and tried to smile, but a deep sense of unease gnawed at her, making it hard to maintain the facade of happiness. She was upset, though she tried not to show it. Deep down, she no longer believed that Kael would return in time to witness the birth of his children. The thought weighed heavily on her heart, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous anticipation. As if sensing her inner turmoil, her body responded with more frequent contractions, each one a stark reminder that time was running out.

Mother Laila's intuition had been sharp from the moment she heard the news of the fourth prince's death. Something about it felt wrong, a cold, lingering dread that settled in her gut and refused to leave. It had been a full day since the news reached her, yet not a word had come from the palace spy—a silence that was more telling than any report. The quiet was suffocating, each minute that passed without news tightening the knot of fear in her chest. Something was amiss, and she could feel it deep in her bones.

With a firm resolve, Mother Laila knew she had to act. She couldn't allow this uncertainty to fester any longer, especially not with the birth of the twins so close. She called out, her voice steady but tinged with urgency, "Jannel! Min Jone! SoKael!"

The names echoed through the room, summoning the trusted individuals she needed by her side. Jannel, ever the loyal confidante, was the first to arrive, her face a mixture of concern and determination. Min Jone followed closely, his presence was always a source of strength in troubled times. SoKael, though usually composed, wore an expression that mirrored Mother Laila's unease.

As they gathered around, Mother Laila's eyes met each of theirs in turn. "Something is wrong," she said, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "We need to find out what is happening at the palace, and we need to do it quickly. Kael must be warned, and Mei Lin must be protected."