Chapter 182 The Heart of the Queen

Chapter 182 The Heart of the Queen
Four years after the War of Succession.

The Throne Room.
Antonio knelt before the queen. He wore the blue and silver tabard of the Blue Knights. His hair was long and black as the night. His eyes were deep blue. He looked up at the queen with a gaze of desire and love.

Olivia spoke with an unsteady voice: From this day forward, you are a Blue Knight in my service. You shall fulfill your duties with loyalty and under my command. Do you accept this position of honor under my authority?

The nineteen-year-old in a deep rich tone: I will serve the Throne of Costa Lunas and the people of the kingdom. I will serve in times of peace, but with courage when peace is threatened. I will serve with honesty and honor. Kindness shall guide my strength in my service.

The handsome man rose and took the elegant sword from the royal hand. His fingers gently caressed her hand, and the contact lingered longer than necessary. His smile was radiant, and she could not tear her gaze away from his beautiful eyes.

Antonio: Thank you for this honor, my queen. I am happy to serve you in any way that you desire. You command my sword.

They looked into the eyes of each other for a time that seemed to last an hour. Her heart pounded, and her mind reeled with thoughts that brought a blush to her face.

The royal bed
Olivia looked up at the face of her husband, Prince Wulfhelm. His hair was long, flowing and golden. His eyes were blue and clear like the sky on a perfect spring day. His face reflected concern but pride.

They had married a year earlier. He had proved a devoted and kind husband. The queen lay in their bed, prepared to give birth to their first child. Her husband had insisted on being with her to offer his support. His eyes showed love for his wife, who was about to bring into the world that very day the next King of Costa Lunas.

In the royal stables, Azura Muerte paced nervously in circles to the amusement of the knights. In the nest, Little Feather could feel every pain, every strain, and the sensations of happiness.

The Queen and her Prince had declared that the day of the birth of their son would be the new Day of Unification. The kingdom would be truly unified through the blood of Costa Lunas and Puerto Blanco that flowed through the veins of a royal baby. The kingdom had enjoyed four years of peace and prosperity under a kind-hearted queen. People expected this baby to bring about a line of good monarchs. The hopes of many rested on this birth.

A tall Sister of Shadow, face obscured by black cloth attended to the royal birth. She had helped the young woman throughout her pregnancy. It was one of the most revered duties of their cult.

Her body was exhausted, and she wept from pain and the intense exertion. The queen suffered severe trauma during childbirth, but her son was born. The Sister wrapped the baby in a soft cloth and cleaned his body and face. She placed the new prince in the arms of his mother, the queen. Olivia smiled through her tears.

Sister: The prince is perfect and healthy. He has beautiful blue eyes. And he already has hair. His hair is black as the night.

Wulfhelm looked at the baby. Olivia looked him in the eyes and saw anger. She tried to take his hand, but the prince turned around and walked quickly toward the door.

The strong young prince kicked the door, and it burst open. The queen sat up with the baby in her arms. She watched as her husband left the room. She heard shouting coming from the main hallway.

Wulfhelm boomed: Page! Draw your weapon!

Antonio with derision in his voice: Show me some respect! I am a Blue Knight in the service of the Queen!

The Prince: Yes, I have seen the result of your service! I will show you your heart after I cut it from your body!

The Knight: I am not one of your servants! I will show you how a real man wields a sword!

The queen stood up, holding her son. Paying no heed to either the pain or the words of warning from the Sister, she walked unsteadily until she reached the hallway. From the doorway she saw the two men facing off.

Olivia: Please! It is my fault! Do not fight!

She watched as they began a sword duel. Both were strong, fast, and expert fighters. Like a dangerous dance, they attacked and defended themselves in the hallway. Thrusts were blocked and cutting blades were dodged. The sound of their clashing swords resonated throughout the castle. The tears of the queen and her son also echoed in her ears.

Olivia watched as the swords moved like lightning bolts. Finally, she collapsed to the ground, engulfed in grief. The sword of Wulfhelm was buried deep in the chest of Antonio; in the stomach of her husband lay the blade of the new knight. Blood gushed from both like waterfalls.

The two of them collapsed weakly onto the hallway floor. Their faces were already as pale as those of a corpse. The heart of the queen shattered into pieces.

The bedroom of the Queen.
Olivia woke up with her body covered in sweat. Her heart was pounding in her chest. There were tears in her eyes. She lit a candle with great difficulty. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked at herself in the large silvered mirror on the wall.

The face in the mirror was fifteen years old. The War of Succession had ended only a few days earlier.

Her heart was torn by her love for two handsome boys. She looked herself in the eye in the mirror.

Olivia: Goddess of the Air, help me!