One in a million (Prequel to 'Bad Blood')

Chapter 7: Exciting news

- 2 months later -

Cassandra's POV

I put on my jacket as I was walking towards my carriage. I closed the door behind me and walked straight to the driver.

Before I had to say anything, he nodded. He knew where I was headed to as he had brought me there every day these past 2 months.

When I had entered, the carriage started moving. I sighed and leaned back, I was ready to relax. I was ready to have some fun. I was ready to just be Cassandra.

"Your Highness?"

The carriage stopped and I sighed. I looked outside the tiny window and noticed Lord Ernest stand there. "Yes?"

"Where are you going?" Before I had time to answer, he immediately said: "You're going to the Northerners again, aren't you?"

I raised my eyebrows as I noticed a hint of disgust in his voice. "I will be going to the Northern Kingdom, and I expect you to accept my decision as I am your queen."

He didn't seem pleased but nodded. "We're just worried, Your Highness," He looked at me, though it was clear he felt shy. "You've been spending a lot of time up there and we're worried about that."

"Why?"

"It's not common for a ruler to spend more time in the other kingdom than their own..." He looked down then, as if he was ashamed of what he had said.

"My reasons for going there are my reasons, you should trust me as  your queen to make the right decisions."

He nodded.

"Anything else?"

He shook his head.

"Good, I won't be back until late."

He looked at me. "Will you be having dinner here?"

"I don't know," I then thought it over. "I probably won't."

He nodded slowly.

I then looked at the driver. "Let's go."

And the carriage started moving again. We rode through the Middledes Woods and then through the town. Because I came here that often, many people knew who I was. Many knew I was Queen Cassandra, ruler of the Southern Kingdom. And to many, that was exciting. They seemed really happy that I spent so much time here, at their home.

I arrived at the castle and was immediately greeted and helped by Carl. "Hey Carl." I smiled at him.

He smiled back immediately. "Hello Your Highness."

I gave him a look.

He chuckled, shaking his head before looking at me. "Hello Cassandra."

"That's better," I then followed him inside the castle, and into the private part of the castle. When we entered the living room, I saw Louisa and Alden seated at the dining table. "Hey." I walked to them and greeted them by kissing their cheeks.

"You're early," Louisa exclaimed. "We didn't expect you until lunchtime."

I let out a deep sigh. "I know, but I just needed to get out of the castle." I said as I sat down.

"Was it that bad?" Louisa asked as she reached for my hand to hold it in hers.

I nodded.

"What happened?" Alden now asked, though still keeping himself in the background. He often tended to do that when Louisa and I were having a conversation. It's as if he didn't want to get in between us.

I sighed once more. "They're all complaining," I shook my head as I looked down. "They think I spend too much time here, they don't like that."

"Why not?" Louisa asked.

"Do they still not trust us?" Alden asked.

I shrugged. "Honestly, I don't care what they think. I just feel good here, I feel at peace, I feel at home," I then looked at them and smiled. "Thank you for letting me come by so often."

They both smiled. "It's our pleasure."

Carl then entered the room with a cup of hot tea. He put it down in front of Louisa. "Do you need anything else, Milady?"

Louisa seemed to think. "Maybe a pillow."

He nodded and went to one corner of the room. A corner in which pillows and blankets were stored. He grabbed one pillow and walked back to Louisa, he then proceeded to place the pillow behind her to support her back.

"Anything else, Milady?"

"No, that'll be it," She smiled at him. "Thank you, Carl."

He nodded before leaving the room again.

I looked from the door to Louisa. "What's going on here?"

Louisa looked down as Alden wrapped his arm around her. It seemed something was going on and, judging by their behavior, it was important.

I leaned in towards them. "Hey," I then squeezed Louisa's hand a bit. "Is everything alright?"

Immediately, a smile found its way onto her face. "Yes," She looked up at me. She took a deep breath before saying: "I'm pregnant."

I let out a breath. I didn't expect this even though they've been married for a while so, of course, this would happen. "That's amazing," I smiled then. I was truly very happy for them. "Congratulations, you two!"

Louisa couldn't help but smile while Alden seemed to want to keep his wife close to him. "Thank you."

"That child may praise itself lucky to have parents like you two," I squeezed Louisa's hand a bit. "And I mean that."

"I know," She nodded as her smile only seemed to increase. "Thank you."

"Well, it's certainly exciting news for your kingdom."

"Very exciting," Alden said. "The birth of a successor always cheers up people. They're almost as happy as we are."

Louisa nodded as she let her one free hand rest onto her belly.

I smiled, I was so happy for them but, at the same time, I couldn't help but feel jealous too. I wanted this, I wanted what they had. I wanted a marriage, I wanted a child, I wanted to be happy. Why couldn't I?

"It's still early though," Louisa informed me. "So we can still do many things."

I smiled and nodded. "I've got time."

"So do I," Louisa then got up. "Do you want to go for a shopping spree or maybe we can go for a swim?"

"Hmm," I hooked arms with Louisa before we started making our way towards the door. "Both sound great actually."

"We could first go for a shopping spree and then go for a swim," She looked at me. "Does that sound good?"

I smiled and nodded. "Perfect."

"Hey," Alden suddenly said, making us both look at him. "I know you two will enjoy yourselves but please watch out," He looked from Louisa to me. "I trust you with my family, Cassandra."

"I know," I made sure to look him in the eyes. "And I'll protect them with my life, you know that, Alden."

He showed a small smile before nodding.

"So, let's go," Louisa pulled me with her again. We left the room and went to her carriage, which was decorated in the typical Northern colors and symbols. "I can't wait." She said before our carriage started moving and making its way towards the village.