Kaya stared at the plate of food her maid had brought in an hour ago.
She had made her favorite. Fried fish and cheesy grits but she didn't have the energy to sit up much less eat.
She looked back down at her round middle and tears welled up in her eyes.
Her father doesn't want her.
Her mother's gone.
Nico. Oh, Nico.
Kaaya bunched the blankets up in a fist and fought to control her racing heart. Multiple thoughts raced through her mind and she struggled to silence them.
He hates you now.
It's your fault. If you'd been fast enough your mom would still be here. If you hadn't lied, Nico would still be here.
Freak.
Weirdo.
Kaya yearned to be in Nico's embrace once again, feeling his strong arms around her providing a sense of security that surpassed even her father's protection. She longed for the comfort of his touch, the warmth of his body, and the safety of his love. Being with Nico made her feel like she was finally home, and nothing else mattered but their love for each other.
"Not hungry?"
That voice. Kaya's eyes scanned the shadowed corners of the room, stopping when she saw a tall figure in a cloak.
They step into view and Kaya bit back a sob.
Nico. He was here.
His gaze fell to her belly and he smiled. "I can't believe I did that." he sat on the edge of the bed.
Kaya watched him, unable to take her eyes off him. She reached up and put a hand on his cheek.
"You're cold."
He stood and summoned a flame. Nico approached the furnace and lit the wood. He came back to her side and placed a hand on her middle.
"You need to be eating." he kissed her forehead.
Kaya whimpered rubbing his face. "This...this isn't a..a dream?" she whispered. "You're here?"
A tear slid down her cheek and he wiped it away with his thumb. "I'm very much real."
"Prove it."
Without a moment of hesitation, he pressed their mouth together. Kaya gasped as his tongue slid into her mouth drawing a quiet moan from her. She grabbed the front of his clothes pulling him closer.
She wanted to feel the muscles that were taut beneath his shirt. She wanted to feel his heartbeat. All too soon he pulled away and Kaya was disappointed it was over.
"So, I'm going to be a dad, huh?" he smirked.
Kaya laughs. "It seems so-"
"Kaya. Will you marry me?"
Her eyes were wide with shock and amazement, her mouth slightly agape as she stared up at him in disbelief. The expression on her face reflected the sudden rush of emotions that had overtaken her, leaving her momentarily speechless.
She was completely taken aback by the unexpected question and struggled to comprehend what had just happened.
All she managed was. "Wh-What?"
"I know you and the prince are...but-" Kaya covered his mouth with her hand.
"I told him that I couldn't do it. We were supposed to have our honeymoon today, but I ended things between us." Kaya shook her head. "He's like a brother, I couldn't marry him."
Her gaze fell to her stomach. Nico held her hand in his warm one and with his other pulled out a piece of cloth, opening it to reveal two gold rings.
As she examined the two rings before her, she couldn't help but marvel at the intricate details etched into the smaller one. The band was thin and delicate, with intricate designs carved into the metal. At the center, a stunning diamond sat nestled in its setting, catching the light and reflecting it in a dazzling display of colors. The sight was truly breathtaking.
Next to it, the plain band seemed almost unremarkable. But as she looked closer, she noticed the subtle details that made it just as special in its own way. The band was wider and more substantial than the other ring, with a smooth, polished surface that glinted softly in the light. As she turned it, she noticed the way it caught the light and reflected the world around it, with an understated elegance that was both timeless and classic.
Together, the two rings created a stunning contrast, each one unique and beautiful in its own way. She couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the sight before her, grateful for the opportunity to witness such beauty up close.
"Great mother, Nic." Kaya gasped. "They're beautiful!"
Nico took the ring with the designs and held it up. "Princess Kaya, daughter of King Kojo and Queen Ariana; will you marry me?"
"Yes!" she said as he slid the ring on her finger. She wrapped her arms around his neck fighting the tears. "Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes."
Kaya pulled away and slid the other ring on his finger.
"Xavier's waiting for us if you-"
Kaya threw the blanket back and jumped to her feet. Instantly wishing she hadn't, her legs felt weak and the room began to spin.
Nico caught her and scooped her up, drawing a giggle from her.
"You ready?" he breathed into her neck, raising the hairs there.
Kaya nodded.
He walked toward the window and peered out to see Xavier hovering on the back of a great beast with green fur and massive wings.
"Come on lovebirds before the next shift of guards returns!"
Kaya wrapped her arms around Nico's neck squeezing her eyes shut. When he jumped her stomach lept to her throat and she choked on a scream.
Kaya opened her eyes when she felt the soft fur beneath her. Nico was crouching in front of her wearing a smile.
"No matter what battles, hardships, or problems we face we're going to do it together."
Nico took her hands in his.
As Kaya looked into Nico's eyes, a warm feeling spread through her chest. A wide grin formed on her face as she realized that she was with the one they loved, and she knew they would stay together forever.