Once upon a time, a normal girl was transported into the fae world. Mated with the King, she is forced into marrying him and producing an heir. Terrified, Isla determines to find her way back home, but an evil witch has other plans. Will she prevail...
Seven months later As Isla and Paxton watched the servants put the last string of lights on the large Christmas tree in the ballroom, they held their hands over the swelling bump at her waist. Isla was finally beginning to feel well again, after the rough first two trimesters of her pregnancy. Paxton leaned in from behind her and kissed her cheek as tears began to stream down her cheeks. "What is it?" He asked, cupping her face in his hands. "It's nothing, I'm just so... happy. With it being nearly Christmas and the baby coming soon, it's just overwhelming. I've never had anything like this before." "I know, and that's okay. What matters is that you're here now and experience the happiness you deserve." Isla's heart clenched as she gazed at her husband. She knew he was generous and caring, but she still had a hard time optimums her heart to him.
Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out a small box wrapped in delicately designed gold paper. "I know it's a day early, but I couldn't wait to give it to you." He murmured, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. Isla glanced up at him quizzically, "I thought we decided that we were only going to give gifts to the children in the kingdom." "We did, but I couldn't stop myself from getting this for you." Gently tearing the wrapping paper, she opened the box to see a petite garnet necklace, surrounded by clusters of diamonds. The lights on the tree turned on, reflecting off of the jewels, creating a mural of light all around them. "It's the baby's birthstone." Paxton beamed, gently moving her hair to clasp it onto her neck. Tears shimmered in Isla's eyes as she placed a hand over her chest, fingering the jewels on the necklace. Turning towards her husband, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her tear-streaked face in his chest. "It's perfect." She mumbled into his arm, barely refraining from blowing her running nose into his sleeve. "Just like you." He sighed, kissing the top of her head.
Their tender moment was disrupted as Eos strode into the room with another woman by her side. "Your Majesties, may I introduce you to Epione, who I mentioned several months ago." Isla and Paxton turned from their embrace to see a woman with auburn hair dressed in hues of rich emerald. "I apologize for my late arrival, I had to stop several times in the journey to assist several kingdoms." "That is completely fine." Isla said, gazing proudly at her belly, "I was horribly sick up until a week or so ago. Whoever came up with the term 'morning sickness' was clearly delusional." "I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling well again," Epione replied, taking Isla's hands in hers. "I look forward to helping you once you give birth." Paxton stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, "It could be any day now." Isla slapped him playfully, "I'm only thirty-six weeks along, I could still have another month left in me." "Another month of having to bring you Bankta every night?" He groaned, causing her to grin wickedly. "At least I'm not craving Gladsva anymore." Epione gave her a curious look, and laughing, Eos explained. "She ate Gladsva for every meal for nearly two months. I highly doubt Paxton will ever want to see it again."
Hot white pain seared Isla's stomach, causing her to gasp for breath. Rushing towards her, Paxton lifted her up and began to carry her out the room. Eos squealed as she ran ahead of them, heading to the room they had set up for the birth. Epione stood still for a moment, then sprinted to follow, breathing a string of curses. Isla cried out as Paxton laid her on the bed, gripping the sheets in desperation. Agony coursed through her body in waves, her forehead becoming slick with sweat. Her muscles clenched in fear. Breathing in short, choppy breaths, Isla's vision became fuzzy before fading into black.
Deep in a forest, a woman cloaked in darkness released a deep, guttural laugh. The trees surrounding her began to curl, their roots becoming black. Birds quivered in horror as their feathers turned into knives, piercing sharp blades into their hearts. Even the air around her took on an acrid scent, which she breathed in with a satisfied smirk. She snapped her fingers causing the forest to disintegrate in a plume of smoke.
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Author's Note:
Ahhhh, guys, I'm so excited to add this character into the story! Let me know who you think it is and what she plans to do!
