Chapter 3 A Great Responsibility

"Kindler you've got to help us, it's the queen," said one of the Queen's servants, she came running all the way, her chest rose and fell with rapid breaths, she wheezily said," it's urgent."

Kindler getting on his feet inquired, "Does this mean it is the time?"

"No it isn't, the baby wasn't due for another two months," a lady probably in her 30's said, "this is what I've always tried to avoid since his majesty's terrible illnesses, let's go."

"Thank God you're here in time," said the Queen's servant as they both rushed to the Queen's layer.

"Everyone, bug off except two of the Queen's servants, " said the lady as she pointed towards those around, "You too Sir Walter, wait outside for this isn't a battlefield."

"Ahhhhh!" Elsa screamed, she could barely stand the pain, it was like hell.

"Hey Elsa, we are going to deliver this baby, okay," said Angelia. She was always ready or looking forward to this day, she had all she needed.

"Angelia, you can't imagine how painful this is, Ahhhhh!" Elsa screamed.

Sweat was dripping down her face; it was like she was in a sauna. Her body was hot, heavy and in pain. She wished Ashford was around but wasn't, she would want him to be around but that was far from what was possible, she clenched and unclenched her fists, getting hold of the sheets on her bed tightly, this was a nightmare for her, she never imagined that giving birth was painful.

"Elsa it's now, push," said Angelia, "Is the position comfy enough for you?" Angelia repeatedly let out.

They went on like this for a while. Breathing, chanting and pushing. It was a repeated cycle. Elsa started feeling drowsy.

All Elsa heard was Angelia, her friend and midwife chanting, "You can do it! Push!! Pause to take a breath."

Elsa did it, she had finally given birth to a child they'd waited for 9 months in 8 months.

Elsa carried the baby in her hands, she was filled with joy after seeing him for the first time.

The baby was sleeping soundly.

"You did it, Elsa," shouted Angelia immediately, she began shedding tears of joy, on hearing this, Sir Walter rushed inside.

Clearing his throat, he said," My queen you did it, you gave birth to the future king for he is a boy, all people in Lovarian kingdom will bow down to him, I strongly believe that he will be like His father and mother, I'll inform the king now, this will cheer him up and the entire kingdom."

"Angelia," called the queen as she lay on the bed.

"I'm all ears, Elsa," Angelia answered back, quickly she moved to the Queen's bed and sat beside her.

"We have been friends, no, not friends but best friends throughout time, Angelia I want you to know that I've always viewed you as my sister, you know that I don't have any relatives, so you are the family I've got," said Queen Elsa as she held Angelia's hand.

"Elsa, I know that, and you can always count on me," she replied.

"Angelia, there is something you should know," queen Elsa said," I don't trust anyone in the kingdom, but I trust you, I'm going to hand over to you a great responsibility, I'm sorry Angelia, but it never crossed my mind that things would turn out this way, you are going to take away the baby."

"What!" she said in shock, with a smile on her face and nodding her head she continued, "Ohhh, I get it now, I'm in dreamland, I never knew my dreams would take me to this, wow."

"Will pinching you or slapping you in the face help you realize that this is reality, does this look to you like a dream? I'm dying Angelia, I'm dying for real and this might be the last time you see me, "Queen Elsa said in tears she had lost a lot of blood and felt like she couldn't make it.

"What! No, Elsa, you shouldn't be saying such things, you must have faith that you will live, Elsa you are the only one I have, you are my everything, if you can't live for yourself, or me then at least live for the baby, please Elsa," Angelia wobbly said.

"Angelia you will still be with me, for I'm in him, my blood runs through his veins, Alaric has come to exist because of me and Ashford," she said as if she was saying goodbye.

"Alaric!"

"His father and I decided to name him Alaric, not only will he be second to none but also sit on the Lovarian throne when he is ready and grown-up, tell him of his identity when he turns 18, before that no one should know his identity for his safety, I and his father have strong faith in him, Promise me Angelia that you will take good care of him, promise that you will do everything to see that he has qualities like ours," asked Elsa.

"I promise you, my sister, I'll do just that, and I won't trust anyone," said Angelia.

"Here is his father's ring, through generations it has been passed onto kings, this will help in identifying him as our son, and this necklace is a gift from his father; it should never leave his neck; finally, here is a letter with a royal seal, these things shouldn't happen if his father recovers," said Queen Elsa handing over the ring; royal sealed letter and the medallion to Angelia.

"Elsa, what if they don't recognize him as your son? What if they don't believe us?" asked Angelia.

"There is always a way; the truth always comes out, and what is right always wins; he will be recognized by his works, he will be different, one more important thing, tell him that we loved him so much," said Elsa as she breathed her last.

"Kindler, what brings you here?" inquired King Ashford.

Kindler eyes were watery, he said, "Your majesty, I'm sorry."

"What are you going to do to me?

"I'm sorry your majesty," said Kindler, shedding tears.