Chapter Fifty-Eight

***Now that we were planning a major event, the biggest event of our nation until we introduce our child to the citizens, my schedule suddenly filled up. Winston was planning the coronation but I was approving every recommendation and reviewing everything two or three times to make sure everything was perfect. It was a stressful time but it went by quickly at the very least.

It had been several weeks and the day where many of the servants' husbands were returning home. Maximus was able to make their return permanent for those who were interested in staying home. They would rotate into the palace guard, we needed more men around that we could trust anyway as the number of breach attempts at the wall were starting the rise as the coronation drew closer.

I was so excited to see everyone's reaction that I could hardly hold it all in. I kept myself busy until it was time for their arrival. We all lined up outside to see them when they arrived. They all looked more ragged than I'd expected - all dirty, skinny, and exhausted looking. I tried to hide my shock and instead focus on the pure joy on the servants' faces as they rushed to embrace their husbands.

"Your Majesty, you did this? For us?" Louise asked as she looked back at me with tears in her eyes.

"Yes, I wanted to thank you ladies for welcoming me and for all your hard work. I wasn't able to arrange for all your husbands to arrive at once but I've been assured that everyone else should arrive in two weeks time. Many of your husbands have chosen to stay here and join the palace guard. I want to welcome you all into my home and invite you all to dinner this evening to fill your bellies and relax before your work begins again tomorrow." I said with a smile.

I was told that it wasn't customary for someone of my stature to eat with the servants, in fact it would probably be looked down upon and would be the source of gossip for some time if there guests in our palace yet. Aidan was still working on stabilizing the nation and re-establishing diplomatic relationships with the other countries on our continent. After the peace deal with Cordona and the progress we've been able to make all sides have called a temporary cease fire and have been open to a relationship with us.

The remainder of the servant's husbands arrived two weeks later. Everything seemed to be running smoothly but with the coronation only two weeks away I was starting to get very anxious. The physician tried to tell me to take things slower and to take more breaks but it was difficult with so much going on.

I was finally at a point where I could feel the baby in my stomach if I pressed on my abdomen slightly, it was starting to feel real. If I was having a bad day or was stressed I could just put my hand on my stomach and it would cheer me up.

"How are you doing my love?" I hear and turn around in my chair.

"Oh, I didn't see you there." I said and went to stand up.

"D-don't get up for me." He said and rushed over to my side.

"It's okay, I need to get up and walk around - I've been sitting all day." I say and Aidan helped me to my feet.

"Hmm." He said then placed his hand on my forehead. "You feel a little warm."

"Your hand is just warm. I feel fine." I say and grab his hand.

"I think you should rest for a while."

"Who can rest in this heat." I jest.

"Hm...come on I have an idea." He took my hand and led me outside. It was stuffy and muggy inside but outside you could really feel the heat beaming down on you from above. We went to the stable and Aidan had them get his horse ready. I tried to get him to let me ride my own horse but he refused. Aidan put his arms around me and grabbed the reins.

"I-I'd rather hold onto you instead of this saddle." I say as I try to get comfortable.

"That is a nice thought but I want to keep an eye on you and make sure you're safe." He said then kissed my cheek.

"You might be a little over protective now love." I said.

"You're carrying precious cargo, I'm just doing what I must."

"Will you tell me what you're planning at least?"

"Not at all." Once he saw the guards were ready we took off. We ventured outside the palace walls, it was only the second time he'd taken me out so I was curious. After he dismounted he helped me off the horse as well.

"It's nice out here." I say as I look around. "The shade feels nice."

"It does but this isn't what we're here for." He said with a devilish grin.

"W-what do you have planned?" I asked as I backed up slightly.

"I think you'll like it." He took me by the hand and twirled me around. He tugged at the laces of my dress and the whole thing started to loosen.

"Ai-Aidan!" I shriek as I grab at my clothes.

"Don't worry. There's a little lake over there."

"Th-that doesn't make me worry less!"

"It's safe to proceed." The guard said.

"See, it's safe." He says as he pulls me into his embrace and kisses me from behind.

"Th-that's not what I'm w-worried about."

"I know." He moved my hands and let the whole dress fall to the ground. "But it'll all be fine."

He backed up and took his clothes off too. He took me by the hand and took me farther in the forest to the little lake where we were all alone, with the exception of the guards at the perimeter.

"Ah." I say once we take a step in.

"What is it?" Aidan asked.

"It's so cold!"

He laughs. "It's just because of how hot it is out here. Once you get in, your body will adjust."

"I-I don't know."

"I'll help you." He picks me up as I let out a shriek.

"I-I don't want to."

I try to squirm out of his embrace but he just holds onto me tighter as he charges forward into the water.

"Aidan!" I shriek.

"This is for your own good." He says just before he throws me in the water. I sink almost to the bottom. I extend my legs, my feet touch the bottom and I push my way to the top. I gasp for air and fix my gaze on Aidan.

"Aidan." I say and splash him. "You can't drown your pregnant wife. You are the worst."

"Oh come on." He says as he moves in closer. I try to push him away but when that doesn't work I start backing up. My foot gets caught on a rock and I stumble back into the water.

"Ari!" That was the last thing I hear before I plummet into the water.