{"id":1073,"date":"2024-08-25T23:39:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-25T23:39:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1073"},"modified":"2024-08-25T23:39:33","modified_gmt":"2024-08-25T23:39:33","slug":"chapter-10","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1073","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 10"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 10 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

John had heard from Lorne after a few months, saying that despite the people of Proculus saying otherwise, they are in a very bad shape. Ill health, a halt in population growth due to sickness, and most of all, John was shocked to hear that they had people working the mines for no pay and almost no sleep. Lorne also told him that most of the older people knew that the Royal Family weren\u2019t the rightful heirs but were too afraid of being executed if they\u2019d say something about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John then told Lorne to go back to his David in San Franciskus, thanking him generously for his service, and decided there and then that something had to be done. Aracely was furious when she heard of what was going on in Proculus and after John received word from Chaya and her family that they accepted the dinner invitation, he made sure that the palace was secure, more secure than on a daily basis. He needed to be sure that his wife would be safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially now that Aracely\u2019s stomach was more showing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything was set. All the evidence of Aracely\u2019s heritage, all the evidence of how the people of Proculus were being treated, and all the evidence about how the Royal Family had paid someone to poison the water supply near San Franciskus and how they had paid off the rogue group of Chulakkans to find the true heir and kill her, were ready for distribution along the dinner table. Yes, Lorne had found out more than he had bargained for, more than John could possibly had hoped for and he was glad that the man did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was near Winter Solstice that the advance guards announced that Chaya would be at the castle within a day. John had the maids ready a few chambers on the far end of the Castle, making sure that there was no easy way to reach the Royal wings, and he spent the rest of the day laying on the bed with Aracely, reading a book of poetry to her as she was resting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“How are you feeling?” Aracely asked him, gently removing the book from his hands. “We will be fine. I have faith.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John shrugged. \u201cJust trying to find a way to deceive them with pleasantries before stabbing them with the cold hard truth… but the more I think about it, the more I want to throw them into a bottomless pit and declare Proculus as ours.\u201d He pulled her in his arms and softly kissed her neck. \u201cWhat about you? Having them over will be our first real Royal engagement, something we both dislike… and ugh, do you think that Gabriella can organize a Christmas ball in a short period of time? I completely forgot about that… that it\u2019s \u2026 something that my Father used to organize for the council members, the advisers… and everyone else in the castle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked at him thoughtfully. “I suppose she could. I do not see why not. As far as Proculus, you can speak with them at dinner. Once they believe they are comfortable and secure we can just tell them. I do not know otherwise.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes that was what I was thinking,\u201d he answered and softly caressed her belly. \u201cBut are you up to it to meet them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I have met Chaya – briefly,” Aracely pointed out, rubbing her cheek in memory. “Though I can recall them vaguely, or maybe the idea of relatives when I was younger. Even that is almost like nothing.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d John nodded. \u201cI promise you that neither of them will physically hurt you.\u201d He smiled and softly kissed her neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I know,” she smiled. “When are they expected to arrive?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEither late tonight, after our evening meals, or early in the morning.\u201d John shrugged and continued to kiss Aracely\u2019s neck. \u201cThey have a whole wing to themselves and won\u2019t go anywhere, I figured they probably want to rest up after their journey and I\u2019ve told Ronon that he should welcome them to the castle and show them where they will be staying… and then come and tell us that they have arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely nodded as she curled up against him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I just wish this child would settle down. I do not believe that he – or she – is very pleased either with the anticipated guests.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHmm…\u201d John softly placed his hand on top of her stomach. \u201cI think that Mother needs to relax, and leave the worrying to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Tell your father that if he does not cease such behavior he may develop a new pain in his head…” she teased, with some seriousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John felt a little kick against his hand. \u201cHey, that\u2019s not fair. You should agree with me because a relaxed Mother, means a relaxed baby.\u201d He softly caressed Aracely\u2019s stomach and kissed her. \u201cHow about a foot rub, my lovely wife?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Thank you but I am fine tonight. Just truly wish to get this meet over with.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d he softly kissed the top of her head. \u201cChaya is a spoiled princess and her parents are arrogant, but they do know when to back away from something they don\u2019t like, or when they know that they have no place to go… they act like old, caged animals now instead of dangerous predators. I expect Chaya to be very resisting and shocked and she\u2019ll probably throw a tantrum of some sorts, but King Nicholas and Queen Charlotte shouldn\u2019t put up much of a fight anymore.\u201d John kept caressing Aracely\u2019s belly. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be surprised if Chaya had found a husband or at least a fiance, even if there barely has passed a year since you and I met, and she\u2019ll likely try to flaunt him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t be coming?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, you\u2019ll never know. It\u2019d be interesting though.\u201d John said with a smile. \u201cOver the years I\u2019ve grown to like it when Chaya makes a complete fool out of herself. She\u2019s horrible when she\u2019s intoxicated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do not particularly care. I just wish to get this – event over with quickly so that I can worry about other things. Your medicine man scolded me yesterday. He wishes me to stay in bed until I am ready to give birth,\u201d Aracely sighed, curling up more with a slight shiver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe did? Why didn\u2019t you tell me yesterday?\u201d he pulled the sheets over them. \u201cAnd I told you, you shouldn\u2019t worry about the dinner, it will be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can not help but worry.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you reconsidering all of this? It\u2019s a little bit late for that now, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo… no, I\u2019m not.\u201d Aracely said with a smile. \u201cI\u2019m… grateful that you are doing everything in your power to fix what has been broken in Atlantica and how you\u2019re passionate about doing the same for Proculus, but anything that worries you, worries me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are a bad liar,\u201d Aracely chuckled. \u201cAnd the reason why I didn\u2019t tell you yesterday was because you were too busy and tired at the end of the day. I did not want to bother you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow many times do I have to remind you that I don\u2019t mind being bothered by you and that when you bother me it\u2019s not a bother?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI simply can not help myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI realize that. Will you be okay with leaving the bed only when it\u2019s necessary?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI suppose, I am not sure, but promise to save me when I go mad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John chuckled. \u201cOf course. Now, rest some. I just need to take care of one thing and I will be back soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you stay? John, you haven\u2019t had much sleep lately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will when this is all over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd often you only eat a little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll eat more soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely turned around and managed to put her legs around his and her arms around his waist. Her belly was snugly secured between the two of them. She looked up with a devious smile. \u201cStay with me,\u201d she said, batting her eyelashes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not giving me much of a choice,\u201d John chuckled and softly kissed her. \u201cAlright, I will stay and rest with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI could always make you feel a bit more relaxed…\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John could feel how she was palming his groin with her hand and he shook his head. \u201cNo, if Carson said you need rest, you\u2019re going to rest and not think of my needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSpeaking of your needs, we haven\u2019t addressed our needs for a few weeks!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell I am not, and what do you mean \u2018you\u2019re fine\u2019? Am I not attractive anymore?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAracely…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? Do you think that now I\u2019m showing that I\u2019m carrying our child that I do not wish to feel you inside of me?\u201d She was starting to sound upset. \u201cOr are you seeing other women to take care of your needs? How can you be \u2018fine\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not!\u201d John pulled her closer to him, if that was even possible. He didn\u2019t want to hurt her or the baby. \u201cYou should have said something earlier, now that Carson said you need to stay in bed until you\u2019re ready to give birth, I\u2019m not going to…. engage in strenuous activities with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about pleasurable?\u201d Aracely asked sultry as she licked her lips. She had had pulled her hand away just before he pulled her closer to him, and she could feel how his manhood had started to grow and all this talk about their needs, she couldn\u2019t help but want him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask him later,\u201d John groaned as Aracely tried to roll him onto his back. \u201cGet some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn!\u201d she pouted as she tugged on his hair. \u201cPlease?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He swallowed hard as he looked into her lust filled eyes. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright.\u201d Aracely turned her back towards him and hugged the sheets. \u201cGo to your office then, I\u2019ll rest.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sounded cold and detached now. John was surprised by that. \u201cDid I hurt you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAracely?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo away.\u201d She repeated and then felt his weight leave the bed. Why couldn\u2019t he see that there was nothing wrong with having a little pleasure as long as they\u2019d take things slow? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She realized she should never have told him about her visit to the doctor, but she had been curious about his progress on the medicine he was trying to make that would help the villagers get better quicker than Samanthia\u2019s medicine would, and he had insisted on checking her over. Until yesterday, nothing had been wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When she heard the door of the chambers shut, she knew that John was going to see the doctor and then do whatever he had planned on doing and she wouldn\u2019t see him for hours. For some reason, Aracely didn\u2019t know if she liked the notion of being without John for so long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then again, hadn\u2019t she just pushed him away? It was her own fault and she couldn\u2019t stop the tears from falling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<hr><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John smelled cooked eggs when he woke up the following morning, having stayed clear of the bed chambers until he was almost asleep and had snuck in while Aracely was fast asleep. For some reason it felt as if he hadn\u2019t slept enough, and that was probably the case. He opened his eyes to see that Aracely was still sleeping, so he snuck out of bed again and softly started to eat his breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolling over in bed, she let out a sigh. Immediately she could feel that John was not in bed with her and it had brought her a sense of loneliness and disappointment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d John said as he took a sip of his tea and reached for another piece of bread with butter on it. \u201cDid you sleep well, my love?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot as well as I would have hoped,\u201d Aracely replied, turning her head slightly towards her husband\u2019s voice. She still had not opened her eyes as they were yet heavy with sleep but the rest of herself was greatly awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou were fast asleep when I returned a few hours ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy did you not wake me?\u201d Aracely blinked at him. \u201cA few hours ago? John have you been up all night?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, I have.\u201d John nodded and brought over some bread, fruit and tea towards the bed. \u201cYou were sleeping so soundly I didn\u2019t have the heart to wake you.\u201d he softly kissed her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou look tired.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d he smiled and made his way back to his chair to eat an egg. \u201cKing Nicholas wanted to have a talk with me before dinner tonight, probably trying to offer up trades or asking for help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWill this conversation not spoil the motive behind dinner?\u201d Aracely questioned him as she peeled a banana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John shook his head as an answer. \u201cAfter that talk, I shall have a look at the progress of the work being done to build the homes you\u2019ve suggested two months ago, would you…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop!\u201d she interrupted him and stared him down. \u201cYou will not do anything until you\u2019ve had a proper rest, John. You\u2019re only one man, things take time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m impatient.\u201d He said innocently and finished his tea before crawling back in bed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She kept her eyes on him the entire time, not settling back down herself until she was positive he would not run off again. “I do not wish for you to fall ill,” she said softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John wrapped a leg around Aracely\u2019s as he snuggled up to her and her bump. \u201cYou won\u2019t get sick from not sleeping properly for a couple of days,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Yes, you can. Do not argue with me please. Tell me about our intentions for the day after we rest awhile longer?” She asked, laying her head down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, as I said… Nicholas wants to meet with me before dinner and other than that… I suppose nothing. Although if you feel up to it today, we could take a look at your little project just outside the castle walls?\u201d He pulled the blankets over them and softly caressed Aracely\u2019s stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Perhaps later. I’m much more anxious about dealing with our guests and seeing them resolved.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes and I know, but that\u2019s why it might be a good idea to see how far along they are out there,\u201d John yawned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Sleep my husband. We will discuss this more later,” Aracely lectured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<hr><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John went to meet with King Nicholas after lunch, after he had slept some more. Aracely didn\u2019t like it much, but John had assured her that it was alright. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn, I must say, for the short while you\u2019ve been King, you have done marvellous effort into revitalizing the Kingdom.\u201d Nicholas sipped on his brandy. \u201cAfter your father died and you denied Chaya her right…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, Nicholas,\u201d John interrupted the other man before he could embarrass himself. \u201cAs you know, my father and I had an agreement, that I would only wed Chaya if I hadn\u2019t found what I was looking for by myself, and Chaya knew about this. She was in the room when he said that, and I\u2019m sorry if she hasn\u2019t told you this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nicholas chuckled. \u201cI see,\u201d he nodded. \u201cYes, our Chaya tends to tell half truths to get what she want. But still John, for you to seek a queen without the proper arrangements…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWas the best thing I\u2019ve ever done.\u201d John stared at his own glass of brandy, it was still untouched. It was best not to drink before dinner. \u201cBut, what couldn\u2019t wait until dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I want to talk business with you. Our women won\u2019t need to hear us talk about the work we do for our people,\u201d the older man smiled, and John would have rolled his eyes at him if he didn\u2019t have a little respect for the man for dealing with Chaya all day. \u201cYou see, despite what I try to show, we\u2019re poor. My kingdom is poor. My subjects are ailing, especially those at the border of Atlantica, but I\u2019ve received word that they seem to be getting better somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe lake that supplies water for the villages on our border was poisoned, I\u2019ve had some of my people get rid of that.\u201d Either the man was stupid, or really didn\u2019t know what was going on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s good, very good…\u201d the man said absentmindedly, sipping the brandy again. \u201cI was wondering if you could spare a few of your subjects to work in the mine in Proculus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWill you pay them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just told you, we\u2019re poor.\u201d Nicholas chuckled. \u201cYou need to understand, for you not marrying Chaya, you\u2019ve done more bad than good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI doubt it but no.\u201d John said firmly. \u201cWe will need some of your stone rather sooner than later, as you may have seen, we\u2019re building a small settlement outside our walls and I want to extend the castle walls so they\u2019re properly protected. I will pay you for that, but you are not allowed to ask any of my subjects to work for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut John…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs there anything else you wanted to talk to me about, Nicholas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCould you loan us some gold?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh for…\u201d John sighed and got up. \u201cI\u2019ll see you at dinner, the cooks are working hard on the food as we speak.\u201d He then pointed at the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis won\u2019t do our coexistence as neighbors any good, John.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not afraid of your army, Nicholas.\u201d He fixed his eyes on Nicholas and his gaze didn\u2019t falter until the man was out the door. John walked back to his desk and downed his glass of brandy in one go before returning to Aracely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely was changing for dinner but even with alterations made to some of her larger dresses, many were uncomfortably tight around her growing belly and her bosom practically poured from the top. “I fear I will be late to supper,” she remarked as she took notice of John’s return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo you won\u2019t,\u201d John smiled and kissed her tenderly as he pulled her closer to him. \u201cYou look ravishing and dinner isn\u2019t for another few hours.\u201d He softly kissed her neck. She looked beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You say that only because you must. You won’t even give me the pleasure I want in bed,” she pouted as she pulled away to pull off the garment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not going to have this discussion again,\u201d he took hold of her hands and kissed them. \u201cCarson said you needed bed rest, giving us both the pleasure we want in bed isn\u2019t resting… although it\u2019s getting harder to resist…\u201d he kissed her again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She grumbled and pushed him away slightly. “I cannot help it if the desire is so much stronger. It is not fair. I need the – release.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pulled her back to him and grinned. \u201cHe never said anything about bath tubs…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“And you could not say something to this last evening?” Aracely asked, letting her dress fall to her feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d John softly caressed her sides as he kissed her again. \u201cI\u2019m a guy, it takes a little while longer to think of alternative… ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She grinned as she leaned into him. “Do you enjoy my larger size? I know many men tend to prefer larger breasts…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to say anything about your beautiful breasts again,\u201d John slowly moved his hands up to her breasts. \u201cLast time you thought I was insulting you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely let out a breath at his touch, her breasts being sensitive in their increased size. “John…bath? Now? I want you…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow?\u201d John pouted as he rubbed his thumbs over her nipples. \u201cBut I\u2019m having fun here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her jaw fell and her body shuddered. Pulling one of his hands down between her legs she turned her eyes up.”Feel that? It’s my desire for you…please do not make me beg…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John chuckled as he started to undress himself. \u201cAlright my love, your wish is my command.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before he could finish, she was all over him, covering her mouth with hungry kisses and pressing herself against him with impatience. Her hand found its way to his length and tried to coax it to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as he felt her hand on his member he could feel the blood starting to rush through his body. Groaning, he kissed her back, gently backing her up towards the bath room and discarding the rest of his clothes without breaking contact with Aracely and her skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They blindly bumped into the wall a couple times on their way to the tub they had previously been prepared for them. Grunting at the need to separate to get into the water, she quickly got in, kneeling as her eyes took John in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The way she looked at him had made him instantly hard and got into the tub, careful not to slip. He sat down on his ass, trying to stretch his legs as he pulled Aracely on top of him, but she was ahead of him and nearly jumped him as soon as he got in.\u201cYou\u2019ll tell me when I\u2019ll be hurting you or the baby?\u201d he didn\u2019t mean to make it sound like a question but for some reason it did as he was nearly straddled by Aracely.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She hummed an answer as she shifted over him so that he could enter her. “Quiet,” she panted, pressing herself down slowly, feeling herself fill up with his size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He placed one hand on her back to keep her from falling backwards and used the other one to tease her breasts as she was lowering herself onto him. Once he was snug inside of her, he moved his hips a little to slide in a little further, which resulted in moans coming from the both of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely grinned at him as she rocked her hips. “Yes, yes…” She breathed out, her eyes rolling closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They sent water over the edge of the tub with their movements, and after a while John realized that Aracely\u2019s bump was really getting in the way of the both getting them off and Aracely was getting frustrated. \u201cAlright, get off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Aracely whined and dug her nails into his shoulders. \u201cI need release… John… please?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo… Aracely, you\u2019re hurting me, get off me and turn around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She blinked at him as she stopped moving. \u201cWhat is your intention?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSomething different, but it will be good, I promise.\u201d John softly kissed her lips. \u201cNow get off me and turn around. Sit on your hunches.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a little extra carefulness so that Aracely wouldn\u2019t fall out of the bath or slip and hurt herself and the baby, John shifted a little and then guided her down to slipped back into her with ease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOhhh…\u201d Aracely moaned as she was gripping the sides of the tub. Her head fell back slightly and her eyes fluttered closed, breathing heavily. \u201cI like this…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He chuckled and softly planted a kiss on her neck. \u201cDifferent doesn\u2019t always mean it\u2019s bad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat – that is true,\u201d she eventually let out after she felt her body finally give out and the tight coil in her belly, that was not a growing infant, subside and the providing her body with the support it needed to keep herself from falling into the water completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pulling her closer to him after his own release, John sighed happily. He had felt tightly wound before, with all the things going on and in his head and he felt instantly relaxed. \u201cDo you feel better, my love?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMuch. And you?\u201d Aracely smiled as she settled against his body in the cooling bathwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he grinned and softly caressed her stomach before gently stroking her breasts. \u201cLet\u2019s just not tell Carson.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course. Must we really dine with those people tonight?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould you rather that we go to war with them immediately? I think that words are more powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course I do not wish to turn to war to settle a dispute. I was just expressing my dread over this meal. Perhaps you may wish to speak with them personally at the table before you bring me and my heritage in?\u201d she asked. \u201cI have no doubt that Chaya would try something like she did when she was here when I returned with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh I have no doubt,\u201d John chuckled. \u201cShe had not even told her father about my father giving me his blessing to find my heart.\u201d He nuzzled her neck. \u201cI was thinking you could join me into friendly conversation with our guests before I\u2019d start telling them that we know what they did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely sighed and nodded. \u201cI suppose I could try to tolerate her for a short while. Although, if I decide I had enough, could I request to have them dismissed? I fear that the – conversation may not be quite so receptive after some time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy sweet Aracely… you\u2019re the Queen, you can do anything you like,\u201d he smiled. \u201cI hadn\u2019t planned on starting the conversation until after dinner, or near the end of it, you and I both require some food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well. Let us start preparations then. I am hungry now, after all this. I do wish to finish this tonight,\u201d she said as she pulled away and work on getting out of the bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pulled her back on to him and softly kissed her. \u201cI think we should stay in here a bit longer, if only to celebrate that we\u2019ll hold our first official dinner and that we\u2019re going to raise a little hell while having it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn!\u201d Aracely laughed as he tried to keep a hold of her. \u201cAs much as I would like to stay, the water is getting cold now that we have not been quite so distracted. Come with me,\u201d she giggled as she turned in his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After helping her out of the bath, he wrapped a large towel around her and pulled her back into his arms. \u201cDo you feel any better now?\u201d He asked with a big smile on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do,\u201d she replied and leaned up on her toes to kiss him. \u201cCome on and let us get this over with and I promise to make it up to you later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sighing, he reached for a large towel for himself and started to dry his body. \u201cI\u2019ve asked Ronon to keep an eye on things when we\u2019re having dinner. Not that I expect anything to happen. Oh, and I\u2019ve instructed the cooks to include a lot of fruit, I know that you love fruit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After they had gotten dressed, Aracely looking beautiful in her refitted dress, Janet entered the chambers. \u201cThe cooks are ready, King John. Do you wish for me to inform the king and queen of Proculus?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs there anything else you\u2019d like?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a crate of papers and books in the other chambers, could you bring that to me nearing the end of our dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSire?\u201d Janet sounded surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? I\u2019m asking you to do something for me, and if that includes walking into dinner with Nicholas and his wife and daughter, then so be it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d the maid giggled and left their chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John reached for a glass of wine and downed it in one go. \u201cAre you ready?\u201d he asked Aracely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOnly if you are,\u201d she said, sitting on the edge of the bed watching him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, to be fair, I\u2019d rather have had a little more time to prepare… but we\u2019ve got enough to show them, not only that they\u2019re liars, also that they\u2019re not taking care of the kingdom. Did I tell you that Nicholas asked me for some healthy workers to work in his mine? And when I said \u2018no\u2019 that he asked for money?\u201d He thought for a second and then grinned. \u201cNo, you didn\u2019t, because we were busy with other things.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John held out his hand for Aracely. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She reached out and took his hand with a smile. \u201cI am ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon met up with John and Aracely as they were walking towards the dining hall. \u201cI\u2019ve heard from Teyla,\u201d the man said with a gruff voice. \u201cShe\u2019s not coming back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, it would have been nice of her to tell her so myself,\u201d John answered and sighed. \u201cWhat about her family?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll join her as soon as they can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid she have a reason why she doesn\u2019t desire to return?\u201d Aracely asked with concern. \u201cI hope that I had not angered her so much with John\u2019s choice in me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNah,\u201d Ronon shook his head. \u201cSomething to do with her family and that John doesn\u2019t need her anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John pouted and looked at Ronon. \u201cStill, it would have been nice of her to come back and talk to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe said you\u2019d understand.\u201d the other man shrugged. \u201cHow are you feeling, my Queen?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely frowned as she looked at the men. \u201cI was fine before but now I am sad about this,\u201d she admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh don\u2019t worry, the rest of the maids are a handful, you\u2019ll see once you give birth!\u201d the man roared with laughter. \u201cPeople leave the castle all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot without talking to me first.\u201d John grumbled. Sure, he could understand why Teyla would stay with her family, she was a very caring woman, but he didn\u2019t understand why she wouldn\u2019t have returned to come and talk to him, say goodbye properly. It was scary in some way, because now he would have to do things all by himself, even if he had Aracely now. In a way, Teyla had always been a better adviser in some matters than George, the old adviser of his father, and John would certainly miss the wisdom that she somehow possessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She leaned into John\u2019s side, her hand going to her back. \u201cI suppose we should continue now. I do need to sit,\u201d she noted, her back growing painful. \u201cWe should sent word to Miss Teyla that she is welcome to visit the castle whenever she wishes. That she\u2019d be welcome despite the conflict that she and I encountered with one another.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes and we will,\u201d John said as they continued walking. \u201cAt the end of the very long letter I\u2019m going to write to her trying to make her feel guilty about leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon opened the big doors to the dining room for them with a smile, Nicholas already sitting there with his wife Charlotte and Chaya, some of their maids were standing against the wall with their backs. Chaya looked bored and Charlotte looked a little tipsy already. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou will not. If she wishes to return to her blood, she can do so. You may however invite them all to come back to the castle and live here,\u201d Aracely smiled, but quickly sobered at the sight of their guests already seated for supper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John saw how the color drained from Chaya\u2019s face at the sight of him and Aracely. \u201cI am sorry for not meeting with you upon your arrival two days ago, I had some urgent matters to attend to,\u201d he said with a smile and gently squeezed Aracely\u2019s hand. \u201cSo welcome back to Atlantica, you all remember my wife, Aracely?\u201d John helped her to sit down in her comfortable chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Aracely smiled at him as she eased herself down before adjusting the wrapped layers of her gown more comfortably to be loosened around her belly while they ate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure if I should congratulate you on an heir so soon or berate you, John,\u201d Charlotte slurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMother!\u201d Chaya shot at her mother. \u201cOf course we\u2019re happy,\u201d she said with a big fake smile plastered on her face as she looked at John. \u201cCongratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely looked unfazed by the comments as she stared at the older woman. \u201cWhy would you berate the King in his own castle for what he and I choose to do in our chambers? You probably could have stood some benefit to having more children. Family is a blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou should forgive my wife,\u201d Nicholas said. John could see the man was almost squeezing his wife\u2019s hand into pulp. \u201cShe\u2019s never been able to keep a good glass of wine down. We are happy, of course we are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRight,\u201d John smiled. \u201cLet\u2019s start eating, I\u2019m famished! How have you been, Chaya?\u201d he asked as he pulled a bowl of fruit towards Aracely and had Katie fill his plate with food while he scooped up some fruit onto Aracely\u2019s plate when a few of Nicholas\u2019 maids nearly jumped forward to assist the three in filling their plates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she smiled at him as she picked up a piece of melon to nibble on, watching with disgust the level of ignorance the other family displayed toward their servants. \u201cSo the plans for the women and children\u2019s shelter are coming along well. The sleeping quarters will be finished first and then we can begin to make arrangements to find the most in need that would benefit greatly by it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo you have been looking!\u201d John said surprised. \u201cI thought we\u2019d go and see the progress together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWomen and Children\u2019s shelter?\u201d Nicholas asked as he dug in to his meat in a way that disgusted John. \u201cAre you spending your money on useless things, John?\u201d he said it in a way that John knew that he was referring to their conversation earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, just on more important things. It\u2019s Aracely\u2019s project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou gave your wife something to do that involves the funds of your Kingdom? Are you mad, John?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI thought we weren\u2019t going to discuss business during dinner,\u201d Chaya said as she glared at her father. \u201cI think it\u2019s a great idea, that way the women can be more productive and make dresses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely remained silent as she watched and listened to the interaction. Chaya\u2019s support was clearly intended only to gain the couple\u2019s good graces and a small part of the woman was able to give her enough credit that she was attempting to settle a subject that would and still could very likely cause a great deal of conflict – unlike the one that would come later. \u201cJust because someone has little money does not mean they are unimportant and not valued to the land. They have many skills that can be utilized if given the proper chance. We have our plans well thought out for the start of the programme.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are trying to make things better for our subjects,\u201d John said as he dug into his mashed potatoes. \u201cIt was a shock to me to find out that because of my father\u2019s illness certain things were severely neglected. Anyway, how are you doing Chaya?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d she nodded. \u201cFather has been sending me off to various other Kingdoms to meet the princes. Do you remember Fraeir of Asgardia?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do,\u201d John smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s even more crazier than when he was younger. He has some sort of cloth hanging between two trees to lay in it to watch the birds,\u201d she chuckled. \u201cAnd he\u2019s an awful dancer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh yes! I think he sent one of those things over as a wedding present for Aracely and I, that was nice of him to do, we still have to see if it works.\u201d John chuckled, feeling slightly creeped out by how pleasant Chaya was and how easily he was slipping into the idle chatter mode. \u201cI believe the Chulakkan\u2019s have a male heir or two.\u201d John looked up to see Charlotte nearly choking on her piece of meat. There we are, he thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmall bits, mother. Remember what the physician told you.\u201d Chaya gently tapped on Charlotte\u2019s back before looking at Aracely. \u201cI am surprised to find how well you seem to be settling in, considering you\u2019re from a small village.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course she is, she\u2019s amazing.\u201d John responded and then felt the need to clear his plate in record time, just to have the evening over with and everything else out of the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely passed John a hard look after seeing him finish with her taking her time so that she wouldn\u2019t find herself ill later. That was one thing she learned early on after she realised that she was expecting, when she ate fast, she ended up vomiting it back up not long after. \u201cMay I have some hot tea please?\u201d she asked Katie who was refilling John\u2019s wine glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course my queen,\u201d Katie smiled and signalled one of the other maids to get it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He hadn\u2019t missed Aracely\u2019s look and scooped some more mashed potatoes on his plate including a piece of chicken. \u201cSurely there must be someone you fancy, Chaya.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSomeone that is not my husband…\u201d Aracely threw out, unable to forget the slap to the face she received the first night in the castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI must apologize for my behavior that night,\u201d Chaya seemed to sound sincere, or maybe she had become better in fooling people. \u201cI was upset, mostly because I didn\u2019t have faith in John finding what he was looking for, hoping that he\u2019d return empty handed…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny though, that a lot of people think that I am incompetent or not following through with things,\u201d John chuckled and shook his head as he took a bite of the chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely smiled at him. \u201cJohn is quite skilled in researching the legacy of some people. He had managed to discover an old image of my father when I was quite young right here in the castle in fact,\u201d she commented before taking a sip of her soup to hide the smirk that threatened to come across her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think that Nicholas and Charlotte remember that day, my father wanted to have drawings of all his favorite people, at least that\u2019s what George told me.\u201d John said and took a sip of his wine. \u201cOf course, it was more difficult to find the rest of the images, father liked to hide things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have all the time in the world to search the castle. I have confidence that it would not be far from where he liked to spend his time,\u201d she said reassuringly. \u201cThey may very well be in his chambers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah well, I\u2019ve begun to turn his chambers upside down, and found some \u2026 oh, I think that Janet will come in soon to bring me those things, really Nicholas, you should see it. It\u2019s fascinating,\u201d John said excitedly. \u201cFor example, did you know that some people of Aracely\u2019s village are from nobility? They are unaware of this, but it\u2019s fun to see where some people end up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you have scholars that are doing that kind of research?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh where\u2019s the fun in that, Nicholas? You never know what you may or may not dig up in old boxes,\u201d he said with a smile and carefully moved away when Katie put a glass of steaming hot tea in front of Aracely. \u201cThank you Katie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you cannot always trust that the scholars that conduct the research are always truthful in what they may uncover, if they would inform people of things that would be quite well to know. Such as \u2026\u201d Aracely trailed off as she tried to think of something inconspicuous to begin with. \u201cInformation such as that a portion of one farmer\u2019s land actually belongs to the blood line of a poor man who searches desperately for ways to feed his family after the land had been stolen from his father\u2019s father and never knew of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you know how it goes, some of the poorer inhabitants of a Kingdom sometimes refuse to travel so many days to inform the registrars in the capital of a new birth or a dispute… but we\u2019re working on changing all of that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat is absolutely fascinating!\u201d Chaya squealed. \u201cI wish that father would have allowed me to learn something of importance when I was younger. Knitting and sowing makes me dizzy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour parents might not wish for you to have discovered information like that. I am sure that they fear you might have learned that you are not –\u201d Aracely began to say as John cut her off, a look of disgust and anger flashing in her eyes at the two who seemingly attempted to ignore her presence at the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am sure that if Nicholas and Charlotte had been more free in their beliefs, you could have, Chaya, it\u2019s never too late to learn new things. I mean… Aracely and I are going to become parents, and I have already told my staff that we want to change the dirty cloths, feed the baby ourselves, all those things, and it\u2019s scary because we have to learn something new.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWomen aren\u2019t meant to have projects of their own that are important, or do studies,\u201d Nicholas said grumpily. \u201cWhich is why I think you\u2019re still mad, John, for having her rule as your equal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t,\u201d he then sighed as he saw Janet walk in with the crate filled with journals and other papers. \u201cShe would have been a ruler, even if I hadn\u2019t married her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWomen can\u2019t rule!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReally? Have you checked your own laws, Nicholas? You never seemed to have changed them when you stole the throne from your own brother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn, that\u2019s ridiculous! Daddy doesn\u2019t have a brother.\u201d Chaya said disgusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have mountains of records that say otherwise. He overthrew him, where King Robert and his wife Eileen were forced to flee, seeking sanctuary in the lands of a friend. My parents,\u201d Aracely said evenly, leveling her eyes on the three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John took the crate from Janet, and without minding the plates on the table, he put it down in front of Nicholas. \u201cNot only that, but you knew that they had fled to one of the villages out of reach from yourself and even my father\u2019s, and have poisoned not only your villages, but more in Atlantica, for years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John could see that the color had drained from both Nicholas and Charlotte, and Chaya was looking as clueless as ever. \u201cOh, and not forgetting this… you had people of Proculus pay off people of Chulakka to steal the girls from the villages near the border. And had them bribe my own soldiers!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely sat in her chair, staring at her own uncle by blood. She wished that things may had been under different circumstances but after all the man had done to her family and the people she loved, she felt nothing good for him. \u201cThe only question now is what do you have to say about it. I would not even attempt at denying the facts. We have collected plenty of testimony and are prepared to protect those that has confessed to their crimes on the orders of the royal family of Proculus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was quiet for a while, John was patiently sipping his wine, to let everything sink in. Chaya had picked up some of the papers and was actually paying attention to the words as she read them. \u201cI don\u2019t like war, Nicholas,\u201d he said eventually. \u201cAnyone else in our position would have sought blood. You know that. Why did you do what you have done?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have no idea what it\u2019s like to have an older brother, see him get everything he needs, see him get more attention of your parents just because he\u2019s the heir to the throne,\u201d Nicholas said bitter. \u201cRobert was a push over, a pacifist, like yourself, not fit to be a king, and we did everything we could to prevent him to take back the throne. We knew that he had a daughter, and we hoped that by doing what we did, we could safeguard our future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou killed a lot of innocent people on both sides of that lake, Nicholas,\u201d John stared him down. \u201cGood, innocent and hard working people got sick and died. Or were taken by the Chulakkans. Families, ripped apart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have no right to preach to me boy!\u201d Nicholas bellowed. \u201cI ought to have your head for the words you dare to use against me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLast time I checked, we were in my castle,\u201d John said evenly and held up his hand to stop Ronon from approaching any further. \u201cThat makes it that I can say whatever I want, it\u2019s you who\u2019s out of line.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou never should have bothered seeking out a – a pheasant girl to marry you! My daughter is far more suited to bear your heirs to your wretched little kingdom here,\u201d the older man argued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWatch your mouth, Nicholas.\u201d He shot at him. \u201cYou have two choices. One, you forfeit the throne right now and hand it to Aracely. Two, you leave and go back to Proculus, but I have to warn you, my army is bigger, stronger and faster than yours and lives will be lost.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf your female takes the throne like you claim, then what would you have to do with two kingdoms. You barely are capable to deal with the problems in your own,\u201d the man laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cJohn and I are more than capable of organising and ruling both lands. You clearly are incapable of managing the one, considering the state of the lives of the people. It makes me ashamed to think that you and I are of the same blood. Forfeit the throne and I may be more kind enough to show you the same kindness you showed my parents. However,\u201d she added, her tone softening slightly. \u201cBeing that I am about to be a mother soon, I will allow you to have a small piece of land so that you may farm and sustain yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou broke your kingdom\u2019s own laws and got caught. It\u2019s that no child should be without his or her parents or we would have publicly made an example out of you.\u201d John said. \u201cIt\u2019s your choice, Nicholas, but I suggest you take the less embarrassing one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is ridiculous, you can\u2019t do this,\u201d Charlotte eventually said. \u201cYou simply can\u2019t, you\u2019re ruining our lives! What about Chaya? She had nothing to do with this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is your own fault, Charlotte. Your own greed and jealousy caught up with you. Besides, Chaya isn\u2019t a child anymore, she\u2019s an adult, she can make her own decisions.\u201d He answered. Sure, Chaya was spoiled, very spoiled, but she genuinely seemed to have changed, matured, somewhat over the last few months. \u201cSave yourself, Nicholas, you\u2019ve always only looked out for yourself and your family, so why stop that now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan we choose where we will spend the rest of our lives?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, in fact, there\u2019s this island off the coast of Proculus, isn\u2019t there? It would be the perfect place for you to be able to take care of yourself for many years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chaya looked between them, unsure of what to say or do. \u201cFather?\u201d she asked, her voice with hurt and disbelief. For the man to be silent now, actually considering the offer from John and Aracely, it was enough of an admission to her parents\u2019 guilt for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAn island of your own. It is a generous offer. More than I was willing to entertain to offer you,\u201d Aracely commented as she sipped her tea, her tone with no nonsense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about Aracely and I will give you a moment to yourself, so you can think about all of this, look over all the things in that crate and know that there\u2019s no way to turn? Ronon will make sure you won\u2019t leave this room.\u201d John slowly rose from his seat and held out his hand for Aracely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putting her tea down slowly, she stood and joined her husband as they went out to the hall to leave the other family to discuss their situation. \u201cI do not believe they will try to go to war with Atlantica. It would mean suicide for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey know,\u201d John nodded. \u201cI just want to give them the time to realize that, and for Chaya to chew them out,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd what of her? As much as it pains me to say, she appears to have nothing to do with her parents\u2019 affairs. It would be wrong of us to punish her for their crimes,\u201d she sighed, sitting down onto a servant\u2019s chair that had been left outside the dining room doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about we give her a choice? Stay with her parents, or… well, maybe she could learn a lot from someone, in a certain village…\u201d   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely instantly frowned. \u201cI would not dare to have my friends suffer from her petulance. They have done nothing to me to bring them such a burden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine,\u201d John sighed. \u201cWhat\u2019s the other choice? I mean, she needs to learn the right things in life, knowing Chaya, she wouldn\u2019t last for a day in a random village.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is something that I believe your Teyla would have been perfect for. She knows quite well how to manage a girl such as her, but Chulakka still isn\u2019t the safest land if one does not share their blood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTeyla\u2019s not here,\u201d John sulked. \u201cHalling would be great, I\u2019m sure if we\u2019d ask him to take care of her, he\u2019d do it, and I\u2019m sure that she would turn around quickly. That… or… have Fraeir more interested in her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely raised an eyebrow. \u201cIs he truly that despicable?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d John chuckled. \u201cHe\u2019s like me, just a bit more… eccentric and scientifically orientated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet us see what she has to say. Perhaps she might have a request worth considering,\u201d she offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah… how are you feeling? Are you okay?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am fine. I am feeling very well, all things considering,\u201d she smiled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He squatted down and softly kissed her. \u201cI\u2019ll be so happy when this is all over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou and I both. What do you say we head back in and see what they have decided?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d He got up and helped her up from the chair. \u201cBut really, if there\u2019s crying involved, I\u2019ll walk right back out,\u201d he chuckled as they walked back into the room. Chaya had switched sides of the table, looking sternly at her parents. \u201cChaya, I want you to know that none of the options we\u2019ve given your parents include you. You\u2019re always welcome to join in their future, but I want you to know that you will have our support if you decide not to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chaya turned from her parents and looked at John and Aracely. \u201cI know we have not gotten on so well, but I do wish to change that, in time. I ask that you may allow me to stay here, with you. Perhaps I can help with your infant when it is born. I wish to do whatever I can to make up my short comings to you and the people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked at Chaya, blinked, and then looked at Aracely before looking back at Chaya. \u201cI don\u2019t think…\u201d he started to say before Chaya spoke again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease, John? I always thought that I didn\u2019t have family apart from my parents. Had I known about Aracely… you know I would never have hurt her if I had, please? I would really like to stay here, help you and Aracely and get to know each other?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll leave that to Aracely,\u201d John said after a while and then approached Nicholas and Charlotte. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well, we\u2019ll do whatever you want us to do,\u201d Nicholas said tiredly. \u201cI\u2019m getting too old for this, John.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d He replied and shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019re welcome to stay the night, but tomorrow, a few of Ronon\u2019s men will escort you to Proculus, to the castle to pick up your belongings, and take you to the island off the coast.\u201d John continued. \u201cYou will also order your entire court to come to Atlantica with all the documents, books and everything else that Aracely and I need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely had watched Chaya from the moment of her request before nodding slowly. \u201cWith the combined resources we can focus on the health of the people before rebuilding a structure between the two lands. Perhaps of use for the council to communicate with the people more efficiently with my John.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad we see eye to eye on this, Nicholas.\u201d John said to the older man as he nodded. \u201cI suggest you retire for the night, you\u2019ll have a busy couple of days ahead of you.\u201d He walked back towards Aracely and put an arm around her waist as he looked at Chaya. \u201cTomorrow, Janet is going to help you settle in, give you different chambers and will make sure you\u2019ll have enough clothing until your belongs arrive from Proculus. She will also be your shadow for the time being, I hope you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chaya nodded in relief. \u201cThat is fine. Anything. I just feel so bad about this, and them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see how it goes, good night, Chaya.\u201d John gently pulled Aracely towards the door as he nodded at Ronon, who then walked towards Charlotte and Nicholas to show them to their quarters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The walk back to their bed chamber was quiet. As they neared closer, Aracely looked up at John as she ran a hand over her belly. \u201cYou managed to avoid a war. How do you feel about everything now? The work on the well-being of the people just doubled after all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d John said thoughtfully. \u201cIt probably won\u2019t make much of a difference in the amount of work considering we\u2019re still working on improving the well-being of our own people.\u201d He opened the doors to their chambers. \u201cWe\u2019ll see, when we get the documents, in just what kind of a shape Proculus is. Maybe we can reorganize the land there, grow better tasting tea leafs and get the mine operational with healthy people… but we\u2019ll see. Right now, I just want to take it easy for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She raised an eyebrow in amusement. \u201cYou? Take it easy? I find that difficult to believe that you are capable of such a feat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, I haven\u2019t been into my garden in a long time, so maybe I\u2019m going to do that.\u201d John shrugged. \u201cOr help out with building the home for the mothers and children… it doesn\u2019t hurt to do physical labor every once in a while. Or maybe find a great stallion for my mare. Or… I don\u2019t know… design and build the crib for our child.\u201d He waved his hands around as he spoke, closing the door as they entered their chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo many ambitions for one man. Where will you begin?\u201d she smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTaking things easy,\u201d he shrugged. \u201cYou choose.\u201d He grinned and put his arms around Aracely. \u201cOr you know, we could start with having some more fun today,\u201d John softly kissed the top of her head. \u201cOr, we could go to bed and get some sleep…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter all the fun you and I experienced today, I think a full night of sleep is very appropriate. As much as I would like to have more – fun, I simply cannot right now,\u201d she sighed, falling onto the bed and laying back still in her garments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He crawled onto the bed and gently helped her out of her dress. \u201cAlright my love, let\u2019s catch up on some much needed sleep,\u201d John said after getting out of his own clothes as well and snuggling up against her. \u201cI love you, my beautiful Goddess.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd I love you my husband,\u201d Aracely smiled, content and happy with changes that had occurred in her life since meeting the strange man that came into her village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John had the sudden realisation that night that everything was going to be alright. Everything that he had feared hadn\u2019t come across, in fact, he was doing a better job at being a King than he thought he would do. It helped that he had Aracely standing next to him. He was sure that in time, both Atlantica and Proculus would be thriving again and maybe, in a couple of years, the rest of the Kingdoms would start to see that being different in your ways, didn\u2019t necessarily mean that it was a bad thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was amazed by what he and Aracely had accomplished in the few months since his Father passed, and knew that they would continue to do amazing things the rest of their lives. He felt honored that Aracely chose to be with him when he asked, because she gave him the strength to stay true to his beliefs and ideas, instead of sticking to the old ways and old traditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was truly the start of a new era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Everything worked out in the end. Some time in the new year, Johan Halling was born. Johan, the child of King John and Queen Aracely, future heir to the throne. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nicholas and Charlotte were banished from Proculus lands and were living exiled on a small island off the coast of Proculus, and their daughter Chaya was now living under King John\u2019s roof, receiving the lessons that she needed most, the ones she\u2019d missed, and she worked hard to earn her keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much to King John\u2019s surprise, combining two different kingdoms wasn\u2019t as hard as he\u2019d imagined. The people of Proculus welcomed the Royal couple with open arms, knowing that their lives would become a lot better now that the old King and Queen were gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Queen Aracely\u2019s housing for widowed mothers and orphaned children was finished in the summer, turning out to have become a settlement on its own. Aracely loved spending time with the women and children, and did so almost every other day with some of her servants and even Chaya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for Aracely\u2019s friends in San Franciskus, the village was prospering in the Spring, Danyel and Vala were expecting their second child, and Radell was happy with his rebuilt workshop. Herbalist David had taken over the role of healer of the village after Samanthia\u2019s passing. Both John and Aracely were saddened when they heard the news, and that they were not able to attend to her burial. Halling and his wife were graced with a new pregnancy as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the end of the second year of King John\u2019s reign, both Atlantica and Proculus were fairing better than before, having opened more trading towards other Kingdoms, the subjects were all healthy and John and Aracely were expecting their second child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chaya was eventually courted by Prince Fraeir of Asgardia, and in honor of John and Aracely, for all that they had done for her, they named their first child Johanna Aracely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon asked John to give his blessing to ask for the hand of one of the servants, Amelia, and both John and Aracely were happy to give it to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One by one, each of the former advisers of John\u2019s father passed away, such as Meredith, George and Todd, and even though John knew that it was a part of the cycle of life, it was hard to come to terms with it, as it dawned to him that he was now able to really shape the Kingdom to his liking and the way he wanted to reign without interference or objections from days of old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was amazing to see how the sapling tree that he and Aracely planted near the Castle lake was growing strong, and they went to the tree almost every month in the Summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The halls of the castle in Atlantica were filled with joyous screams and laughter from many children, by the time John and Aracely reigned 15 years, and it was then that King John was happier than ever. His life couldn\u2019t be better than it was, and he was still very much in love with his wife, his queen and his soulmate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And they lived happily ever after.

The End.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 10 John had heard from Lorne after a few months, saying that despite the people of Proculus saying otherwise, they are in a very bad shape. Ill health, a halt in population growth due to sickness, and most of all, John was shocked to hear that they had people…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1030,"parent":1032,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1073","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nChapter 10 - MeekoBuggy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 10 - MeekoBuggy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chapter 10 John had heard from Lorne after a few months, saying that despite the people of Proculus saying otherwise, they are in a very bad shape. Ill health, a halt in population growth due to sickness, and most of all, John was shocked to hear that they had people... 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