Chapter 3 Produce the Heir

(Duncan)

I stared at each of the elders' faces. They had come to see me only to discuss an old issue: the heir. Davina and I had been married for fourteen years, and we had no children. I didn't know why, because we were both healthy.

"Our kingdom is at peace, but war could break out at any moment. If you were to die in battle, who would lead the kingdom? You won't stay young forever, and our kingdom needs the assurance of a new king when you are gone," Ewan said.

"The queen has failed to produce an heir. You must immediately choose a healthy woman to give you a son. We hear you have been sleeping with Carissa Moss for the past few months. You'd better find another woman, because she has also failed," the chief elder continued.

"Do you think I'm a manwh*re?" I challenged him.

"Carissa Moss is barren. She has been married for four years and has no children with her husband. Your Majesty, you are thirty-five years old. How much longer must we wait until you assure us that this kingdom will have a leader if you are no longer here?" he argued.

"I won't die that quickly if you pray for my well-being."

"The people are restless, and the warriors are worried. If the situation continues, your reign will weaken because the people no longer trust you. Your brother-" Ewan countered.

"One more word about him, and you're dead," I threatened.

I didn't care that they were people I should respect. Everyone who belittled my position as king had to submit to me. They clenched their fists, bowed their heads, and cried when I unleashed my aura.

"I protect you with my life. You can live in peace because I risk my soul on the battlefield. You eat well, sleep soundly, and can enjoy your retirement, while I cannot enjoy any of that for your welfare," I explained.

"Then, you have the audacity to think my sacrifice is meaningless just because I don't have a son. Is my brother more valuable because he has two sons, even though he doesn't have better leadership skills?

"If you suggest again that I give my throne to him, I won't hesitate to take your lives. Davina and I are healthy. We have regular marital intercourse, even when she is in heat. We are also victims of this situation, not just you and all the people."

I suddenly felt an excruciating pain in my chest. I clenched my fists, trying to endure the agony. Damn it. Why did she do that while I was in a meeting? That shameless woman! I had to settle the score with her!

"I have to get back to work. The kingdom cannot run itself without someone to take care of it. If there is nothing else you want to say, let's end the meeting here," I said.

The elders stood up. "Thank you for your wisdom, Your Majesty," they said.

I waited until the last person left, and the guard closed the door. After everyone was gone, I clenched my fists on the table and tried to catch my breath. The pain was getting worse, but I forced myself to stand up.

I walked out of the meeting room toward the stairs. Even though the pain made me angry, I walked calmly, unwilling to attract anyone's attention. Arriving on the fourth floor, I turned left and approached a double door guarded by two soldiers.

Sensing my anger, they spontaneously knelt and put their heads on the floor, bowing before me. They were not at fault. So, I just walked past them and opened the door. A disgusting smell filled my nostrils.

A woman sat on top of a man. I couldn't see her face, but I knew she was enjoying the intercourse. Neither of them wore a single piece of clothing. The man lay on the bed with eyes full of fear, staring at me.

"Your Majesty," the man said with difficulty, trying to fight his passion.

"Relax. He won't hurt you," Davina said casually.

Of course, I wouldn't hurt that ant. I lunged at Davina, grabbed her by the neck, and pushed her onto the bed, her back hitting the mattress. Her bedmate hurried up from the bed, put on some clothes, and left the room.

The pain disappeared in an instant. I regulated my breathing and waited until my heart was beating normally. Davina struggled, but I didn't loosen my grip. Seeing her pale face didn't make me feel sorry for her. She played with fire, so she deserved to get burned.

'Why are you angry?' she protested through the mind link. 'You can sleep with any woman you want. Why can't I do the same?'

'If you give me a child, the elders won't come see me every damn month just to pressure me about an heir.' I tightened my grip. 'You did that when I was with them. I know you wanted to embarrass me!'

'You're the one who embarrassed me by sleeping with another woman!' she snapped.

'Have you forgotten who suggested that dumb idea?'

'I allowed you to sleep with one woman for one month and wait for the results. But you've been sleeping with that whore for months. Do you think I don't know you're in love with her!?' Davina protested.

'I'm not a wh*re who sleeps with every woman just to get them pregnant. Your plan has made me a laughingstock. No, Davina. I won't follow your way. If you want to remain queen, Carissa will give birth to our child,' I stated.

The anger in Davina's eyes faded, and her gaze softened. My wife closed her eyes, hiding her pain from me. That charade wouldn't melt my heart. She used the same card repeatedly, and I had had enough.

'I don't want to be your queen. None of this would have happened if you had let me go.' The woman shed tears.

I loosened my grip before releasing her neck. Davina took a deep breath and covered herself with a blanket. I jumped out of bed and walked over to the window. The afternoon air was cool, even though the sun was shining brightly, because it was autumn.

"You and I are descendants of nobility. We cannot marry the people we choose. You should be happy that we are fated mates. I love you and give you everything you want. Why do you still bring up the past?" I muttered.

"You know the reason. Because of you, I lost my love."

"I didn't choose you to be my mate. Blame the Moon Goddess if you object."

Davina scoffed. "You only care about the kingdom and your throne. You didn't want to reject me because you wanted to be the most powerful king in history. Look at the consequences of your selfishness. You and I have no children."

"I forgive you. That is the last time. Don't do it again." I walked towards the door.

"Let me go, Duncan. We've been together for fourteen years. No matter how hard we try, we won't produce children. Find another woman who can give you offspring," the queen said in frustration.

"Go back to your office. Today isn't the weekend. You should be working, not screwing around," I ordered.

"I, Davina Haylor," Davina said, making me stop in my tracks, "Queen of the Moon Night Kingdom, reject you, Duncan Bayhill, as my mate."