"Mommy?" Kia piped up softly. Eya stood at the door, hand on the knob as her gaze looked over the child who couldn't resist a yawn.
"What is it, love?"
"Why were you so upset today? Why didn't daddy have dinner with us?" The innocence of the questions and Kia's observant nature struck Eya, her fingers falling to her side as she crossed the room back to her daughter. Eya stroked her hand over the girl's forehead and shook her head.
"I'm alright and your father was busy tonight. You know he gets busy sometimes. He'll come around tomorrow, I'm sure." She was not sure in the slightest, but Kia didn't need to know that. Instead, she continued to caress her finger down the child's cheek and smile in the most reassuring way she could manage.
"No you aren't. You didn't smile as much. Is something wrong with you and daddy?" Kia insisted, pulling her head away a little as she tried to sit up. Eya gently pushed her back down.
"Kia. It's time to sleep," Eya said, offering a soft kiss on the child's cheek.
"But mo-"
"Sleep, Kia. We will talk tomorrow." Eya ended the conversation there and stood with one last soft smile. "I promise." With those words, she turned away again, stopping at the lights to turn the key and lower the input for the flame. A soft crystal glow filled the room, casting small, playful shadows that danced across the walls. Content to see her daughter settled, Eya walked out and closed the door softly behind her.
Once in the hall, she paused and leaned her back against the wood, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She feared this, feared that Kia would start to notice her father's absence. What would happen if she realized that her father was too busy for her, that he no longer seemed to love her mother the way he used to? No. No, for Kia's sake, Eya knew she needed to try and fight this before the relationship was completely lost and their daughter became lost in the chaos of the spiral. Eya needed to speak to George and maybe this time, instead of focusing on everything wrong with what he was doing, she'd address his headache. Perhaps if he saw compassion again, he would open up.
With a renewed energy and determination, Eya straightened her dress and strode down the hall. Every step brought a stronger desire to bring George back any way possible before he did more harm to the family. Kia would not be abandoned the way she had been. At the end of the day, Kia meant more than anything else and Eya intended to ensure she did not have the same experience she had.
A sudden bang brought Eya to a standstill, her body jolting as her eyes widened. George's office was only a few doors down and another crash echoed through the hall. With careful steps Eya snuck closer, peering through the cracked door.
George spun away from his desk, a paperweight on the floor as he buried his fingers into his hair. Ian, the king's best friend, and Luke, one of his advisors, reached out and each placed a hand on one of his shoulders. Luke's was shrugged off quickly, the king turning to Ian with desperation.
"What am I supposed to do? I can't let Eya find out she's pregnant. And a son? If she knew, this would break her," he groaned, staggering back a step and bumping against the wall. "She always wanted a son. She used to talk about how excited she was. You know, when she was pregnant with Kia, she was so hopeful to have a boy. But she fell in love with that little girl, and so did I." Luke pulled a chair closer and George sank into it.
"Ian... Ian what do you think I should do? It will destroy her to know another woman is carrying my son. Destroy her! And she's already struggling so much. You're level-headed.What would you do if this was you?"
"George," Ian sighed and rubbed the king's shoulder, "You know this isn't comparable. I'm a common man, it wouldn't matter if I had sons or daughters. And I wouldn't-" He cut himself off, changing his train of thought, "Perhaps you just need time to think on it and try to figure it out. You've been unwell lately and I think for everyone's safety, it may be best to keep things quiet. An affair is no small scandal but it's not an uncommon one either. Maybe we can pass this off as intentional."
"If I may," Luke cut in, rubbing his thumb across his palm nervously.
"Yes, yes, please speak," George encouraged, rolling his hand towards his advisor.
"I think it is best you address this quickly. A son is important to the future of the mother planet, and Eya has been unable to provide one in the seven years since Kia's birth. You cannot walk away from this and the truth will get out. It is best you tell her soon and she hear it from you. I believe while she may be injured, her love for you will bend her to understanding." Luke reached into the cabinet behind George's desk and pulled out a glass and bottle, pouring in the warm colored liquid. "Take a sip, my King."
George took the glass, only allowing a small amount to pour through his lips for the moment. "I don't know, Luke. I need time to think. Perhaps you're right though. Leave me, both of you. Ian, I will see you later after Eya has gone to bed. I will not be sleeping tonight."
With his command, Eya stumbled back into the nearest room, pulling the door closed behind her before the two men could leave George's office. With shaking shoulders, her hand pressed over her heart and she sank to the floor. Her body burned, sweat collecting across her brow as everything she overheard sank in. An affair? A bastard son? So everything they ever had was a lie? The distance wasn't just his health or stress, he was having an affair! An affair...
No! Eya stood quickly, listening to be sure the footsteps of the men faded before she pushed into the hallway. Without hesitation, she jogged towards her room, careful to sprint on her toes and avoid the click of her heels across the floor. George would not make a fool of her or their daughter. He would not abandon them and shame them like this!
Once inside her room, she reached into the closet and pulled out a cloak, throwing it around her shoulders. As she left her room, she paused to snatch a dagger from her nightstand. She moved with an urgency, choosing to duck into the servants' halls and wind through the thin backways, out of the sight of the main guards and any council who may be about.