Celeste's voice rang out loud and clear in the room and after that, there was a deadly quiet. For a minute everywhere was quiet and no one said anything. The room was quiet but I was sure I was could hear something, the relentless roar of blood rushing in my ears. I remained utterly still as I stared up at Celeste.
This has got to be some joke, some sort of fucked up joke! I told myself but remained calm, not giving any reaction.
"What?" Reagan asked.
Celeste repeated her response, her voice firm. "I am carrying your child and this time around it's time you appoint me as your concubine since I am carrying your blood!"
My grip on the armrest of my chair tightened, my heart beating faster as I listened to what Celeste said. She was pregnant? She was really pregnant? How did that even happen? Reagan said he's never been with Celeste and I believed him, or did he lie to me?
"Celeste, like I said, this isn't the time or the place." Reagan said so.
"And why is that?" Marina suddenly interrupted, "She just brought you a joyful news, so it's only right you acknowledge it." She said and the people murmured in agreement.
Deciding to take matters into my own hands before it escalates further, I stood up from my seat. I didn't miss the way Reagan turned to look at me but I ignored him. Plastering a smile on my face, I turned to facet the lords we've assembled for this meeting. "I'd like to apologize to you all for the little disruption, but I think its best we end it here. This meeting is dismissed!" I said with a smile on my face even though what I was feeling on the inside was completely different.
"Why should they be excused? You do not_"
"Please!" I suddenly said loudly, almost screaming the words out. I couldn't deal with her too, I already have enough headache as it is and I really do not need any more when I'm struggling to hold it in together.
"Please!" I mumbled softly, "Get out!" I said without looking at anyone.
An awkward silence settled over the room, then slowly they all stood up and began to leave the room. I waited till every single one of them was gone before I released a shuddering breath. Reagan stood up slowly and from my peripheral vision, I noticed that that Reagan reached out to touch me but I moved away.
"So_" I started clearing my throat awkwardly, "It is obvious that clearly, there are some things that needed to be worked on, so why don't I give you both some room?" I asked, my voice sharp with the words like cutting pieces of ice.
"Dahlia, wait a minute can we_" Reagan started to say, a note of urgency in his tone but I stopped him, I didn't want to be involved in all of this and I wasn't sure I can stay in this room any longer.
I turned to look at him, reaching out I patted his hand with a smile on my face. "I think it's time you finally hear her out." I say my voice softening as I cast Celeste who watched the whole thing with a smug expression on her face. "How about you sort everything out first and we will talk later, yes?" I told him and not bothering to wait for a response, I went outside.
I met Miguel and Adrianna standing at the other end of the door, along with some servants. It wasn't long after before Marina stepped out. Chuckling, she came to stand right beside me.
"You do not what happens when a concubine first the wife to bear an heir right?" Marina tuts at me, "Oh the shame." She said her voice dripping with mock pity causing Adrianna and Miguel to snicker.
When I didn't say anything Marina laughed out loud, "Well, I guess I will be seeing you around princess!" She said then she strutted away, her heels clicking on the polished floor as she walked off, her children following closely behind her.
I stood there for a moment to gather myself, while blocking out the feeling of rage that threatened to consume me and even though I hated to admit it, shame.
"Hold it together!" I heard a voice whisper softly behind me, "Hold it together, raise your head up and walk away, hold it together." Heather said and so I did exactly that.
Straightening my back, I began to walk away with my head held high. I took measured steps forwards, an air of arrogance around me as I did so. I walked while trying to hold myself together, I didn't look at anyone and didn't display any emotion as I walked to my bedroom.
And then when I was safely in the confines of my bedroom, I felt like I could breathe a little easier. I released a shuddering breath not saying anything even when I heard Heather enter the room.
"Are you okay?' I heard Heather ask softly.
Are you okay? There was that question, that question that threatened to bring everything I was trying to hold together down. That question that shows how vulnerable you were even though you were trying to hide it, Are you okay?
I had to look up the ceiling, blinking really hard to hold back my tears. "Yes." I answered slightly hating the way my voice felt really shaky, "Yes, I am okay, I'm fine." I said lying through my teeth.
"My lady." Heather came to stand in front of me, she reached out to grab my arm but I turned away from her.
Drawing in a deep breath, I turned to look back at her. "Heather, I'm alright." I assured her watching the way her face filled with pity for me which I ignored. "I would just like some time alone, is all."
"Are you sure?" Heather asked me again.
"Yes, of course I'm sure." I answered her with a nod of my head.
Heather nodded her head at me, "Very well then my lady."
Heather gave me one last look before she turned and left me alone. As soon as the door was shut, I went and sat on the bed, drawing in deep breaths to calm myself and to ease the pain in my chest.
For some reason it hurts and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why!