Chapter 29: It's been a long time, huh?

Damien's POV

After clearing out all of the South, I was finally able to come home. My father has sent word for my presence. I suppose if he truly is dying, he summoned me to hear his last will. Silver accompanied me on our journey home while the other soldiers remained in the borders we'd put. I wonder how to approach Angelique. It has been eight months since we've last seen each other. At least I kept my end of the promise. I came home just in time before she gave birth to our child.

"Nervous?" Silver asked, stopping by a shop full of flowers. "Why don't you buy her flowers?"

"She doesn't like flowers," I said, shaking my head.

"A girl who doesn't like flowers," he comments, "So what present will you give her? Surely you have to give your wife a present."

I did get her a little something from my trip. Well, some things. I figured I should give her something to win her affection, and another thing for when she gives birth.

"I have it packed along with our things," I explained.

"Still," he says, "Even though she says she doesn't like flowers, the thought still counts. I'm sure she would appreciate the effort."

I gave in and bought a bouquet of red roses. If I don't, I am sure Silver won't let me hear the end of it. He knows so much about winning women's affections yet he still fails to propose to Maidservant Rose.

"I got the flowers," I said, showing him the bouquet. "Are you happy now?"

"Very," he said with a cheeky grin. His smile dropped upon seeing a familiar face across the street. "Jonah of Polaris is still here," he pointed, waving at the boy. "Prince Jonah!"

Jonah walked towards us, smiling at Silver. "General Silver," he greeted, "Damien." It was evident on his face that he was still bitter about our last contact.

"Hello, Jonah," I greeted, "Did you enjoy losing your virginity to that girl? I heard people could hear your moans echoing that night. Was she good?"

He glared at me, pushing me harshly. "You're a dick."

Silver looked confused, furrowing his eyebrows. "Do I even want to know?"

"Forget it!" he growled, pushing past us. "A bouquet of carnations, please."

He's buying flowers. I wonder why? Could it be for Angelique?

"Are you courting someone?" I asked, pointing at the flowers.

"Yes," he simply replied. "The lady of whom I am seeing is much worthy of it. She deserves more than what other people could offer."

"Who's the lucky girl?" asked Silver.

Jonah smiled wickedly at me. "You'll find out soon enough," he says, turning his back. "I shall go and fetch her other things. See you later." With that said, he dashed off.

"Is there something you wish to tell me?" Silver asked.

I chuckled, walking with him. "Trust me, you wouldn't want to know."

As we reached the palace, we weren't greeted by anyone. As expected, the household of White still treats us poorly. Hatred runs deep after all. I doubt that a child of ours could change anything just by being born. Putting that burden on a child is too much.

"Welcome back, Prince Damien," greeted the guards.

I nodded in response, making my way back to our quarters. As I opened the door, I wasn't surprised that Angelique wasn't there. She must be in the courtyard where I heard she often stays. I took the opportunity to bathe and get myself ready. After grooming myself, I put on a fresh change of clothes.

"Do you need anything else, my prince?" asked the servant girl who was attending to me. She was short and thick with a beautiful set of breasts that would make any man stare.

"No, thank you," I smiled, "Do you by any chance know where the Princess is?"

"In the courtyard," she replied.

I nodded, dismissing her. I then grabbed the bouquet of roses I had bought and made my way to the courtyard. The place looked surprisingly great and in order. There were plenty of young ladies and children training together. I have to admit that Angelique did a spectacular job on this project. I looked around, trying to find her. I then saw a lady sitting on a bench, holding her belly. I smiled at the sight of my wife. She was glowing and happy. There was an unfamiliar feeling stirring deep inside me. I hadn't realized how excited I was to see her with our child. Although our child is yet to be born, the feeling's all the same.

"Your majesty," said one trainee. She bowed down followed by her colleagues.

My wife then stood, turning to face me. The look on her face was unreadable. She looked shocked and the other part was just blank. We slowly walked toward each other.

"These are for you," I said, handing her the bouquet.

She smiled, accepting the bouquet. She then handed it to Hera. "Welcome home, Damien," she said, holding on to her belly.

Unconsciously, I pulled her into an embrace. I had already done it before I realized it. Her scent circled around me. It was very soothing and gentle. She smelled the same—cinnamon and vanilla. I felt her arms wrap themselves around me, returning the gesture. We stayed like that for a while, just taking the moment.

"It's been a long time, huh?" I said, stroking her back. I pulled away gently, meeting her gaze. "So, how have you been? I heard Jonah is here."

"Please don't start that," she said dismissively. She led me to the bench, gesturing for me to sit. "As you can see, I have been well. This is what I've been up to lately. For now, we occupy the courtyard. Soon enough, we'll have a place of our own."

I pushed the stray hair away from her face. It's funny. We never truly spent that much time together. Somehow, in the front lines, I rarely missed her. The only thing I missed about her was her body. Yet today, seeing her now, I felt like I did miss her. I pushed the feelings away, remembering my duty. I have to win her heart; not let her capture mine.

"I am very amazed at your work, Angelique," I said, "It is truly amazing. You're the first woman in history to ever do this."

"Thank you," she said, "And how have you been, Damien?"

"Very well," I replied, "I cleared the south. Soon, hopefully, the war would end. I don't want to burden you with any of this while you're at your most vulnerable. It can wait until your time is due."

She nodded in agreement. "Can we talk about our parents, then?"

"Have you seen my father?" I asked.

"No," she replied, "No one has seen him other than your mother and his servants. As for my father, he seems to be in better condition now. He's still very ill, but better than before."

"Did he mention anything about the crown?" I asked curiously.

She shook her head in response. "No," she replied, "It's not like I am to be the White Queen if he dies. The only way for me to become Queen is if my mother dies or abdicates in my favor. For certain, I will sooner become your consort than Queen of my own country."

I nodded in understanding. It's true. Since my father's condition hasn't changed, I might end up becoming King soon.

"There is someone Maidservant Rose and I would like you to meet," she says, leading me to them. She waved at Maidservant Rose, pointing at me.

Maidservant Rose came running to me followed by a young girl. Maidservant Rose pulled me into a tight embrace, saying, "How I've missed you, my son!"

I returned the gesture, hugging her back. "I missed you too, mother."

She pulled away excitedly, pushing forward the girl beside her. "I would like you to meet someone special," she said happily, "This is my daughter. I had just adopted her."

So this is the girl Maidservant Rose adopted, huh? I looked at the young girl. She had long, brown curly hair and a tall frame. She was also dressed in uniform. I couldn't tell why, but for some reason, I had a weird feeling stirring inside me.

"Meet my eyes, girl," I said, "I don't bite. Don't be afraid."

She met my gaze, and to my surprise, she looked so familiar. She had the same pair of eyes I do and... she has a huge resemblance to my biological mother.

"It's nice to finally meet you, your grace," she curtsied, shying away once more.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"I am Lady Alicent, your grace," she replied.

She even had the same name as my mother. I looked at Maidservant Rose who was tearing up. Who is this girl? Why does she look so much like my mother?

"It was nice to meet you," I said, "Please return to your training."

She gave me a bow and left.

I looked at Angelique and Maidservant Rose. "Who was she?" I asked, "Why does she look so much like mother?"

Angelique held my hand and with a straight face, she said, "She may be your sister, Damien. We haven't gathered all the evidence, but... there is a huge possibility that she is your sister."

My heart sank and I felt unable to breathe. My sister? No way. It's impossible.

I broke away from her grasp, shaking my head. "You can't be serious right now," I said angrily, "There is no way in hell that she is my sister." I turned to Maidservant Rose who was already crying. "This is fucked up!"

Angelique held my hand, shaking her head in disappointment. "I understand your frustrations, Damien. I do," she said, "But until we find out the truth, we need to protect her from Grea. If she really is your sister, Grea will destroy her."

"Why?" I asked angrily, still in disbelief.

"Because..." she struggled, "She may have something to do with your mother's death."

I heard enough. I turned my back on them and walked out. I came home thinking I could finally have some time to breathe. Instead, they do this to me! What on earth were they thinking? And as for that girl... I can't believe it. She looked like our mother alright... What if she is my sister? What do I do? I had this ugly feeling surrounding me. I cannot be here right now. I might do something stupid. I suppose the pub is where I ought to be. Away from all this madness.