The Bastard Queen ✔

Epilogue.

Happiness was a understatement for Nathaniel. Losing the love of his life after finally having her in his arms. Two bundles of joy came out of Katherine's death. His grief would get in the way of caring for his daughters.

Later on, he got a wake up call when his eldest daughter caught a cold. Her shallow breaths, endless coughing, her rosy red face, and painful crying. He felt like his entire world was going to collapse once again. He immediately took her to the hospital, the nurses grabbing her from him and taking her away to the NICU. Nathaniel prayed and prayed, just for his eldest to be healthy. He did leave to check on his youngest, caring for her like a father would do.

His eldest daughter got better. His fear gradually fading away, but remaining in the darkness as he focused on his two daughters. Esther and Elliana. His two miracles, who he promise to protect until the end of time.

♧♧♧♧♧♧♧

"Esther, don't play with that," Nathaniel rushed over to her, grabbing the plastic spoon

"Nathaniel, you know that won't hurt her," Isla said, picking up the toys

"I know, but I think of the worst scenarios and she might hit Elliana," Nathaniel said, placing the spoon on the table

"She's only 6 months. Do you really think she'll hit her sister?" Isla asked

"Yes, I mean look she's moving her hands like a maniac. I swear I think I'm loosing my sanity," Nathaniel laid his hand on his forehead

"You're so dramatic. But shouldn't you be back home?" Isla checked on Elliana

"I can't leave them," Nathaniel smiled at Esther as she giggle at him

"I know you don't, but you can't neglect your duty as a Marquess,"

"What's the whole point? I mean I'm 30 and I still have the title of the Marquess. My father won't give me a piece of land he owns. I'm starting to think, I might create my own business," Nathaniel said, wipining Esther's face

"Wait, your father hasn't given you anything to help you? That's so odd," Isla said, astonished

"No. Now, what should my business be about?" Nathaniel asked

"Nathaniel, do you think you can run a business and take care of two infants?" Isla asked, her hand on her hip

"Yes. Now, can you help me?"

"I don't know. What do you love? What do you picture as your business?"

Nathaniel thought, but Katherine's face appeared. Her smile that could brighten his day. Her eyes almost closed, but happiness shining in them. Then her lifeless body on the gurney, the bed being soak of her blood. Her lifeless eyes, staring at him, her skin turning pale.

"Nathaniel?" Isla tapped his shoulder

Nathaniel jumped, stumbling away from her and Esther. His breathing uneven and heavy as his heart raced fast.

"Nathaniel, everything is okay," Isla said, taking slow steps to him

Nathaniel stared at her with wide eyes, panic and fear swirling in them. He heard a cry and his head snapped towards Elliana, who was in her bassinet. Isla walked over to Elliana and was about to pick her up, but was pushed out of the way. Nathaniel had her in his arms, rocking her as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"I-I'll protect you. I promise," Nathaniel cried, holding her close to him

Isla felt empathy to him. Katherine's death took a toll on him. He couldn't even look at the girls without thinking of Katherine, so he left them with Isla. He wouldn't leave his room, just staring a the photos of him and Katherine.

"Isla, thank you for helping me. I know it must have been hard for you and Ro for taking care of them. I'm their father and I should've been there for them, but it seemed like I failed. I wonder what Katherine would say? I know she'll scold me," Nathaniel said, chuckling, kissing Ellianas head

"Katherine would understand as it's not easy to forget a love one," Isla said, placing her hand on his shoulder, "You're a great father, Nathaniel. The girls are lucky to have a father like you,"

"How? I left them soon as they were born,"

"But you came back. You gave your best even if you were still grieving," Isla patted his shoulder

"Thank you, Isla,"

"You don't need to thank me. Just promise me that you'll ask for help," Isla said

"Don't worry, I will," Nathaniel smiled at Elliana and Esther

'My miracles'