The rhythmic clip clop of the galloping horse filled the moist afternoon air. Thick nimbus clouds hung low signifying the beginning of winter. Light rain droplets made their first descent. Joe gently pulled on the reigns of his raven black stallion, bringing the animal into a stealthy trot. He enjoyed the chilly air, unlike the snowy winter in his hometown, Gavilands cold season was one he looked forward to. It always came as a fresh breath after the heat wave that preceded it. The heavens soon opened its gates and his shirt clung to him dearly. Closing his eyes, he slanted his head backwards, letting the cool water wash down his face. Bungie, the stallion, jerked upward slightly. Joe's eye lashes flapped open as his head swiveled all around him, looking for the reason of the stallion's excitement. His eyes landed on a figure at the small gate leading to the stables. He squinted and recognized, Andrew his valet, waving frantically. He urged the stallion to a gallop.

Coming to a halt next to Andrew he slid down the horse, and handed the reigns to a waiting stable boy. "What's going on?"

"Its the Queen, your Highness, she collapsed a few minutes ago when leaving the council room!" Said Andrew.

"What? Where is she now?"

"The doctor was summoned, he's checking her out in your room."

Joe took off In the direction of their wing. Zooming past a few bowing staff members, he budged through the castle doors and took the staircase two steps at a time. He turned a corner and almost came crushing to a head of black unruly curly hair. The small body bumped into him as he broke his run. Looking down, he was met with a pair of deep brown orbs.

"Freya!" He exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"There you are young lady!" Came a voice from behind them. They turned to watch the elderly nanny stride through the elongated hallway. "You have to finish your milk." She said eyes trained on the giggling girl.

Freya turned to Joe, mischief glimmering in her once innocent eyes. "Bye uncle Joe!" She said then took off in the opposite direction, making the woman groan in frustration.

"Come back here you little...!" She held her tongue upon noticing Joe's amused glare. "I'm sorry your Highness." She slowed her pace.

"No need to apologize, I've baby sat her, I know just how much energy she possesses." He smiled easing her tension. "Now I suggest you go after her, this castle is enormous." Joe snickered as the nanny harrumphed hurrying past him.

Remembering his initial agenda, he resumed his pacing in the direction of his room. The guard at the door let him in hastily. He made his way to their private quarters where he was certain his wife would be. Pushing open the doors, he froze at the sight before him. In the middle of the room stood Diamonique. She wore a white sheer night robe. Beneath it was tied a red ribbon around her belly.

"Hey handsome!" She said beaming bright. "I have a surprise for you."

"Mmmh I see that." He said eyes roaming her exposed skin.

"Not that!" She said, cheeks flaming a bright shade of pink. "Well, maybe later but before then there is something else you need to see."

"Wait, Andrew said you collapsed!" He moved further into the room, shutting the door.

"I did collapse but that was over an hour ago. I awoke seconds later and told them to wait before anyone called you."

"Why?" He moved closer.

"Because I wanted to be sure. I have been feeling funny over the last couple of days. At first I thought it was the medicine but today I confirmed. In fact I even called in Ryan to do some blood work."

"Baby what's going on?" His face fell as he imagined the worst.

"I'm pregnant!" She said, eyes locked with his, awaiting the priceless reaction she knew was coming.

"What?" He whispered, unbelieving.

"I'm pregnant. We are going to have a child!" She let out a soft chuckle which intensified as his lips spread into a mesmerizing smile. His laughter joined hers as he closed the gap, scooping her off the floor.

"Finally! This is really happening! We are really going to have a child!" He said spinning her through the air.

"Yes baby, its really real!" She said as he set her down. "God promised and He has delivered!"

"Five years!" He whispered. "That's how long I've waited for this moment. And the joy is beyond anything I could have ever imagined."

"Thank you for waiting with me. Thank you for loving me through all those doctor tests." She whispered, eyes misting.

"Oh honey. You are mine, me and you are one. No amount of children or lack of would change that. You know this baby, it's me and you as long as God will's it so." He leaned in capturing her lips in his.

A few intense moments ensued. Pulling away, Diamonique looked into his eyes , "I know my love. However, I see how you are with Freya and can't help but desire to see you with our own child."

"Well, if she turns out to be anything like Freya, mmmh, would it be too inhuman to give her up to Ryan and Halima? I mean, they seem to have this whole parenting a boisterous child down." A swat on his arm had him flinching with pain.

"You wouldn't dare, Halima's just about to pop with her second child, pretty sure her hands are full. Besides the baby will definitely be a boy. As handsome as his dad.

"Oh honey, you have no idea how happy I am. For you especially, your subjects were starting to get impatient."

"Our subjects, Prince Joseph. They are our subjects. We are in this together right?"

"Right my Queen!" He picked her and feeling her legs wrap around his waist, he moved to the bed. "Now about the previous promise."

*********************************

And then I'm done.

Sorry it took so long.

Guys, I'm taking a break from wattpad.

I am trying to kick this horrible habit of procrastination. Once I get a good novel, I get hooked! And push everything else for later. Not good!

So I'm leaving, don't know when I will resume, maybe when I have a handle on the procrastination. 😁

I'll miss you guys. I'll however still see your notifications through my email and will respond where necessary.

Thank you for sticking with me this far.

God bless you all.

Love, June. 💞