7 days later:
"I think we should call the doctor sire, you haven't been feeling well for the past 3 days." Agatha said as she led him into bed after throwing up all his food. Lucas sighed, feeling too weak to argue. He'd hoped his sickness would pass on its own, but with each day, he felt more exhausted, and now even food couldn't stay down. Agatha helped him settle under the blankets, worry etched deeply on her face.
"Perhaps you're right, Agatha," he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur. "I've never felt like this before."
Agatha gave him a reassuring smile, smoothing his hair. "Rest now, sire. I'll send for the doctor immediately."
As she hurried from the room, Lucas closed his eyes, trying to calm his swirling thoughts. Despite his illness, a flicker of hope began to take root. Could this be what he dared to dream of? His heart leaped at the thought, even as his body protested in fatigue.
It wasn't long before the doctor arrived, a kind, older man with a calm presence. He checked Lucas's pulse, asked a few questions, and carefully examined him. After a moment, he stepped back, his expression thoughtful but warm.
"Your symptoms, sire… they are quite consistent with early signs of pregnancy," he said gently.
Lucas's eyes widened, his heart racing as he looked from the doctor to Agatha, who wore a knowing smile. "Pregnant?" he whispered, hardly able to believe it.
The doctor nodded. "It's still early, but from what I can tell, congratulations are in order."
Tears welled up in Lucas's eyes as he covered his mouth, overwhelmed by a mixture of joy, relief, and disbelief. Agatha took his hand, her eyes brimming with happiness. "I knew it, sire," she said softly. "You're carrying his heir."
Lucas's heart swelled, and he couldn't wait to share the news with Aric. Even with the doubts and rumors, this gift was undeniable proof of their bond, something no one could take away from him.
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The day of Prince Aric's return Lucas was excited, he wanted everything to be perfectly prepared for him Lucas's excitement was palpable as he moved through the palace, ensuring every detail was perfect for Aric's return. He'd ordered the garden paths to be lined with fresh flowers, arranged for the finest foods to be prepared, and even picked out a new outfit, something elegant yet comfortable to greet the prince with. Agatha helped him dress, her eyes filled with pride as she observed his anticipation.
"I've never seen you this happy, sire," she remarked with a smile, adjusting a stray strand of hair from his forehead.
Lucas smiled, a hand resting on his stomach, where he kept the secret he'd been waiting to share. "He deserves this. After such a long journey, I want him to feel welcomed… cherished." His heart fluttered with the thought of telling Aric he was carrying their child.
As the palace staff finished the final touches, the sound of trumpets echoed through the halls, announcing the prince's arrival. Lucas felt his heart skip as he hurried outside, standing at the entrance with Agatha by his side. The courtyard was bustling with excitement as soldiers lined up in formation, waiting for their prince's return.
The carriage finally rolled through the gates, and when Aric stepped out, Lucas's gaze was drawn to him immediately. But something caught both him and Agatha by surprise, Aric reached out his hand into the carriage helping out a nice looking man. He was short in height compared to the prince, fair skin, gentle green eyes, perfect hair and smile. Lucas felt his heart ache badly, he couldn't grasp the scene infront of him.
Lucas's heart sank as he watched Aric help the unfamiliar man from the carriage. The prince's hand lingered in the other man's, and their shared smile was like a knife twisting in Lucas's chest. He stood frozen, his mind racing with questions and insecurities. The joy he had felt moments earlier was now overshadowed by a growing dread.
Aric, still unaware of Lucas's reaction, led the man forward and greeted Lucas with a smile. "Lucas," he said warmly, his gaze affectionate. "There's someone I'd like you to meet."
Lucas forced a smile, nodding as he tried to keep his emotions in check. "Of course, my prince."
"This is Elias," Aric introduced, turning to the man beside him. "He's… a dear friend and an advisor from the neighboring kingdom."
Elias gave Lucas a polite bow, his green eyes studying him with a calm but curious expression. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said softly, his voice warm but gentle, like a breeze.
Lucas nodded in return, his throat tightening. "The pleasure is mine," he replied, though his voice was barely above a whisper. He glanced briefly at Agatha, whose concerned eyes mirrored his own feelings.
"Lucas, I've told Elias so much about you," Aric continued, oblivious to the turmoil in Lucas's heart. "He'll be staying here for some time to help with the alliance arrangements."
Lucas swallowed, forcing himself to respond with a polite nod. "That's… wonderful news." He tried to smile, but the ache in his chest made it almost impossible. "I'm tired, I want to rest." Elias said in a soft sweet tone as he looked up at the prince with his gentle smile.
Aric smiled at him as he showed him the way, they walked past Lucas and said nothing to him,Lucas stood there, feeling invisible as Aric and Elias walked past him, their closeness unmistakable. His heart ached, the warmth of anticipation now replaced with a hollow emptiness. He tried to steady his breath, forcing himself to keep his composure. Agatha placed a reassuring hand on his arm, her sympathetic gaze offering a small comfort, but it barely eased the sting of being overlooked.
As Elenor passed with Elias's bags "good evening sire." Elenor greeted him. Lucas managed a weak nod in response to him greeting. "Good evening, Elenor," he said softly, though his voice lacked its usual brightness. He turned away, retreating back toward his chambers with Agatha by his side.
Once inside, he sank onto the edge of his bed, letting out a long, shaky breath. "Why… why would he bring him here like this?" he murmured, mostly to himself, his hands clenched in his lap.
Agatha knelt beside him, her face full of concern. "Lucas," she said gently, "we don't know the full story. Sometimes, the prince's duties require difficult decisions. I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt you."
Lucas looked up at her, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "But I thought… after everything… that we shared…" His voice trailed off, the weight of his emotions overwhelming him. He had been counting the days until Aric's return, imagining their joyful reunion, sharing the hopeful news about their child, but now those dreams seemed fragile, almost foolish.
Agatha placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Give it time, sire," she whispered. "Perhaps the prince has more to explain, and Elias's presence may not be what it seems."
He nodded, swallowing hard as he tried to gather his strength. "You're right, Agatha. I need to trust him… even if it hurts right now." But deep down, Lucas couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty creeping into his heart.
———————————
That same evening as Lucas managed to calm his heart down he decided to head to Aric's chambers hoping that he'll be alone, as he nervously walked through the never ending palace halls he finally reached his chambers. As usual two gaurds were on standby, as he requested to go in they refused him access.
"I'm sorry sire but his highness requested for nobody to disturb him for tonight." On of the gaurd told him.
"But he never has a problem with me entering his chambers, why is there a problem now?" He asked.
"His highness has company, so he requested to not be disturbed." The other gaurd replied.
"Who is he with?" He asked.
"We would rather not say sire."
Lucas felt a chill run down his spine, his heart sinking as he processed the guards' words. He clenched his fists, struggling to hold back the wave of emotions crashing over him. The very thought of Aric choosing to shut him out for someone else, without any explanation, left him feeling vulnerable and betrayed.
"Very well," Lucas whispered, his voice barely steady. "Thank you." He turned and walked away, trying to maintain his composure, though every step felt heavier than the last. As he made his way back through the halls, his mind raced with questions. Why would Aric do this? Why didn't he tell me?
By the time he reached his own chambers, his chest felt tight with a mixture of frustration, sadness, and confusion. Agatha was waiting for him, and one look at his face told her everything. She guided him inside, her expression full of concern.
"Did you speak with him?" she asked gently.
Lucas shook his head, sinking onto the edge of his bed. "They wouldn't let me in. He's… with someone else," he said, his voice breaking slightly. "And he asked not to be disturbed."
Agatha's face softened with sympathy. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "He promised me he was not going to have anyone else." He cried.
Agatha pulled Lucas into a gentle embrace, letting him lean on her as he fought to hold back the tears. "Oh, Lucas," she murmured, her heart breaking for him. "I know it feels unbearable right now. But promises can be complicated, especially when it comes to royalty."
Lucas shook his head, his voice trembling. "But he looked at me like… like I was the only one for him. He told me we had a future together, that nothing would come between us. And now he's… with someone else?" His voice cracked, unable to hold back the hurt any longer. "I gave him everything, Agatha. How could he turn away so easily?"
Agatha held him tighter, letting him release his pain. "You don't know the whole story yet, Lucas. There may be things happening that he hasn't told you—not because he doesn't care, but because it's complicated."
He sniffed, wiping a tear from his cheek. "But why wouldn't he tell me? Why would he let me think that we're building a life together only to… to humiliate me like this?"
TBc