The Tale of a Mad King

Chapter 5

A few days after Leah and Aiden's garden talk Leah found out she was pregnant for the second time. She was overjoyed at the news. The thought of having more kids to love and take care of pleased her greatly. Alexander, on the other hand, seemed neutral about it. He wasn't happy nor upset, just ok with it. Aiden was ecstatic when he heard the news almost dropping Cole when she told him. Two days after that it was Cole's second birthday. The party planned was extravagant. The great hall was decorated just as beautiful as it was on their wedding day. Half the world was invited it seemed like. Royals and noblemen from all parts of the world gathered in the castle just to celebrate one little boy. At the party, Leah tries to keep her son in line. He only just turned two and he's already acting terrible. Cole was jumping around, climbing on top of tables, even throwing food at people. The maids tried to help but only made him more hyper. Leah was at her wit's end. "Cole please don't throw that." She says taking the plate out of his hand. Her eyes were filled with tears at this point, her pregnancy hormones didn't help either.

"You should go sit down. You don't need to overwork yourself." Alexander utters placing a hand on Leah's shoulder. "But, he's being so rowdy, the maids can't even do anything with him."  She says trying to hold back her tears. "I'll take care of him, go sit down." He insists "but I-" "I said sit down!" He firmly demands grabbing her arm. It was a tight grip not enough to hurt her but enough to force her to sit down. Leah was in shock as she watched Alexander leave. He had never treated her like that before. It almost scared her. She watches as Alexander picks up their son and spins him. His mood changing so fast you would think he was the one pregnant. She hopes she's not the reason he's acting so weird. Shaking her head she tries not to think about it. This is a happy occasion after all. She stays sitting down for most of the party. Aiden is nowhere to be seen. Probably off partying where Cole couldn't see him. Aiden is very close to Cole. Always trying to be the best uncle he can be. Cole loves him, his first word was "Aid". They were confused at first to whether he wanted help or wanted his uncle. They found out quickly that he was wanting his uncle.

When Aiden finally comes into view he's clumsily moving through the crowd. As soon as he laid eyes on Leah his eyes lit up with happiness. Stumbling over to her he grabs her hands jerking her up from the chair. "Cmon Leah dance with me." Aiden slurs pulling her body close to his. He smells heavily of alcohol. It makes Leah sick, her heightened sense of smell making the scent almost too intense to bear. "Aiden, you're drunk. We should get you some water." She says trying to pull away from him. Her attempts to pull away were only met with him pulling her closer. "Just one dance, please?" He whispers wrapping his arms around her. With a sigh, she finally submits "just one dance," she says. With both his arms around her waist she puts both hands on his shoulders. They slowly sway to the music playing in the background. "You know, my brother is a very lucky man," Aiden whispers. Leah almost couldn't hear him over the music. "Why do you think that?" She asks getting nervous. He's never acted like this before. Everyone is acting so weird around her tonight. She's really starting to wonder if she did something. "Because not everyone is lucky to have someone as sweet as you." He states pulling away from her just enough to look her in the eye. "That's very nice of you to say Aiden." She smiles at him a little uncomfortable at how close their faces were. She can feel his breath on her face.

Leah sees Aidens face getting closer to hers. So close their lips are almost touching. The smell of alcohol getting stronger with each breath. She quickly pushes him away feeling sick to her stomach. "I'm so sorry." She says quickly running away. Aiden's in shock. What did he just try to do? Putting his hand over his mouth he starts looking around to see if anyone saw his transaction with the queen. His eyes widen as he locks eyes with Alexander. Alexander looks enraged glaring at Aiden with all his might. Aiden opens his mouth to say something but ultimately doesn't as Alexander shakes his head and walks away. Aiden looks around once more trying to figure out what to do. This is his nephew's birthday party for heaven's sake. Why did he have to go and get drunk? How stupid could he be? That's his brother's WIFE he almost kissed. His brother's pregnant wife at that. He shakes his head trying to sober up. He finds himself unable to as the room starts spinning. Stumbling away from the party he makes his way to his room and passes out on the bed. Dreaming of what could have been.