Checkmate

Broken

"Your majesty, there is much to do!" Robert, a council member says , his accent unbearable.

"I know, our top priority is finding the codex" I sigh and rub my temples with my finger tips "then we can focus on the attackers and their punishment."

"I beg your pardon, my queen" Thomas, "the people want a show of strength now more than ever the leaders are looking to your firm hand not your mercy"

"It is not mercy, my judgement has just been postponed" I say grinding my teeth, these meetings were so tedious.

"That gives them a chance to get farther away from you! Then they can seek shelter with Rizzo!" Robert objects standing up and throwing his arms up in frustration.

We had been at this for hours and we couldn't come up with a plan on how to diminish Rizzo's reach and punish m- the attackers. There was also the matter of the baby and announcing it.

The raid was exactly 9weeks 17 hours 44 minutes and 36 seconds ago, my mind counting every minute since that horrible night.

I had a small bump that only I could really see but nothing could make me hate this baby. Nothing not even Alessandro.

Ever since the raid Alessandro was distance, he was drinking more than his usual intake and he left the bed at night. He just wasn't himself anymore, the distance he put between us was breaking our already fragile marriage.

The room slowly waits for my response. "We will search for both the codex and the men that attacked us then I will kill them publicly, they will suffer the worst punishment" I stand, the room following suit.

"I am not a fool!" I yell getting their attention "there are many issues that need to be addressed but do not ever question my loyalty to this empire!"

"Your majesty" the room echoes as I leave the throne room and head up the stairs slowly, my mind racing.

"Alessandro?" I enter the room slowly and hear the water running.

I smile and walk through the slightly open bathroom door. There he was, in all his glory. His hand closes the faucet slowly as he leans back in the huge bathtub. 

Alessandro's eyes were closed but I knew he was aware of my presence.
"Don't just stand there and watch me"

I bite my lip and sit on the floor next to the bathtub running my fingers along his chest "are you hurting?"

Ever since Piedro blew out his knee, he was different. Having just been able to get off crutches again, he could hardly stand for longer than a few minutes at a time.

"Not right now love" he runs his thumb along my cheek. "What's wrong?"

I sigh and take in his appearance. The shadow on his jaw matched the bags under his eyes, his hair growing out and his smile didn't quite reach his eyes anymore.

"I love you" I tell him "but you hardly look at me anymore"

He looks away "Stop it Madeline" he relaxes his head against the wall "I don't want to talk about this"

Tears fill my eyes "We have to!" I wipe my cheeks but it's no use, I was sobbing "you push me away so much..you think I don't notice you're drinking! Or how about the fact that you leave my side every single night!"

I take a shaky breathe and try to calm down "is it me? Or the baby?"

Alessandro's jaw tightens "I still can't believe you want to keep it"

I stand, my heart aching from what little words he was saying "what if it's yours then?! Would you have me kill your child?!"

He sighs "I did fuck you first, but you don't want to find out"