Conquering The Throne...And His Heart

Chapter XIV

"Princess Cornelia! Your majesty, Prince Guillermo awaits your company in the dining hall" a server called through my door. I fastened the last button on my top and stared at myself in the mirror.
"Please inform him that I will be unable to join him this morning, for I am feeling ill" I called back through the door, feeling guilty for lying.
"Would you like me to bring you an herbal remedy? He is insisting your majesty joins him so that you may plan for the wedding" the server said.
"No" I sighed. "I shall be right down" I said. I pulled my hair into a braid with flowers and started towards the door. I walked down the hallway slowly, towards the dining hall dreading the moment when I'd have to see Eduardo after last night.
I reached the dining hall and everyone but the king seemed dreary and depressed. The king happily ate and was in the middle of telling a story.
Once I reached the dining hall, Guillermo got to his feet and escorted me to my seat. I smiled at everyone awkwardly and sat down. I began eating as Karissa walked over to me and sat on my lap happily. I heard footsteps coming down the hall and looked up.
To my shock, Amelia stood there, her face pale and tired. She held Sebastian in her arms, covered in a blanket. I stood up, holding Karissa as my heart began racing.
King Fernando grinned and sat up in his seat. The room instantly felt darker and heavier.
I swallowed hard, looking at Eduardo's reaction. He lowered his glance and let out a silent sigh.
"Father, I'd like to present to you my son, Sebastian" Amelia said kneeling in front of King Fernando and holding out the blue bundle. Queen Isabella watched King Fernando's face for his reaction.
"My heir" he said. He smiled proudly and leaned forward, moving the blanket aside. He stared down at the child in disbelief and then looked up at Amelia. He got to his feet angrily and glared at Amelia.
"I will murder him!" King Fernando boomed, starting towards Horacio. His eyes widened and he stepped back in horror. Amelia stepped forward.
"I meant not to do any harm to the family father" Amelia said softly, pulling the bundle back to her chest.
King Fernando slapped Amelia across the face, using all the force he would have used on Horacio.
Dario started forward angrily but Guillermo and Horacio held him back.
The king stared at Amelia furiously, who held the bundle close to her face and was weeping. I felt my throat tightening as I held in my sobs. Karissa held onto my skirt tightly, fearful. I hugged her close to me and hid her face from the horrors before us.
Fatima stepped forward.
"Father, do not strain yourself" she warned him.
"How dare you! My own flesh and blood offend your father?!" he boomed.
"Offend my father? Not before you offended thyself!" Amelia said angrily, holding her cheek. King Fernando stared at her in complete and utter shock and disgust, his hand over his heart.
"Father," Fatima started, stepping forward. King Fernando suddenly fell forward, stiff and unmoving. Fatima screamed and ran forward. Queen Isabella shouted for someone to fetch a medic. Karissa was sobbing and sobbing.
Amelia got to her feet and turned to look at Eduardo who had left the scene promptly. Horacio looked at Amelia apologetically, but not for long before Dario hugged his afflicted sister.
The king was dead.