RHETT and LINK: A Fall of Rain

Chapter 2: Best Worst Day

Chapter 2

"Best Worst Day"

Mrs. McRidge's baby was coming. Her husband rushed through the castle halls to witness the birth of his child. He could practically hear the screaming of his beloved wife. He found their room where the servants and the maids were gathered. He looked upon one of his wife's most trusted servants in anticipation.

 "It's a girl, Your Majesty," the servant grinned.

Mr. McRidge smiled. He had a baby girl... a daughter. He entered the room and heard the cries of his child. She was wrapped around her mother's arms who was beaming with pure joy. He rushed to his wife's side and embraced her.

 "Look at her," Mrs. McRidge smiled.

 "She's beautiful," her husband sighed.

 "Is that my granddaughter?"

All eyes turned upon the king. The servants knelt in respect. Mr. and Mrs. McRidge bowed. The king's eyes glowed with joy. Mrs. McRidge gently handed her daughter to the king.

 "Oh, she is powerful. She will do great things. She's a free spirit, this one," the king sensed.

 "And she will take after me," another king entered the room.

 "You? Don't be ridiculous, brother! She will take after me!"

The other king chuckled. "Ah, but she's my granddaughter, too, James,"

 "Father, Uncle, please..." Mr. McRidge rolled his eyes.

 "Sorry, son. Your Uncle Charles and I... this is the only grandchild we'll see in our lifetime,"

Mr. McRidge sighed. "Father, don't say that,"

 "I feel it, son. My brother feels it, too. this happiness won't last long,"

 "What about my daughter?"

 "She'll live. But she'll be alone for the earliest part of her life,"

 "What can I do?"

 "Show her the ones who are next in line,"

His son paused. "Them? Father, this is not an easy task. Remember what happened last time?"

 "Relax, my dear nephew. They can handle it. After all, they will be the Mythical Kings," Charles assured.

 "What about you, Papa?" Mrs. McRidge worried. "What about you and King Charles?"

 "We are old, my dear. We can't stay long in this world," the king explained.

 "Let's just spend this time together in celebration instead of worrying the inevitable. It is best this way. Both of you should know more than anyone else," King Charles said.

The couple nodded. The king handed his granddaughter back to her mother. Mr. McRidge pondered upon this.

 "We won't live, won't we? All four of us?" he realized.

 "You will know, son. You will know," his father nodded sadly.

Suddenly, the entire land shook. Mrs. McRidge held her daughter close to her. The king and Charles looked at their subjects in concern. It was past the eighth hour and the sun had set when this all began.

 "Papa, please tell me that's not him," Mrs. McRidge moaned.

 "I am sorry to disappoint you, dear. It is him," he looked at her.

 "So the prophecy is true?"

 "Of course, it is,"

The earth shook again. The king looked at his brother. Charles nodded. It was now time to do his job. He had to bring light to this dark, horrible day.

 "Dearest," Charles said to his niece-in-law. "You never told us your beautiful daughter's name,"

Mrs. McRidge looked at her daughter. She looked at her husband. He nodded and smiled at her. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. They have decided.

The kingdom kept shaking. Their enemy was coming. But the prince and princess managed to keep on smiling. The Kings and the servants waited for the princess's answer.

"Katherine," Mrs. McRidge smiled.

Her name is Katherine...

~__E_~