Chapter 18

Northumbria

Oswald and Winfred were home. She became ill and learned that she was pregnant. Of course, she already knew. She could rest easier since her marriage had been consummated.

She stepped out of the carriage. Queen Margret noticed her very slight baby bump, “I knew it. I am so happy,” she said to them both.

We are delighted as well,” said Oswald happily.

Winfred looked around, “My cousin?”

“We haven’t seen her in days. We assumed she went to Mercia to spend time with your father and stepmother.”

Winfred shrugged it off. Darleen was known to be impulsive. She headed into the castle with the Queen. Oswald hugged his father and his brother.

Afterward, The King left to handle the affairs of the kingdom. Liam pulled Oswald aside to tell him about his experience on the Aisle of Man. Oswald touched Liam’s shoulder, “I knew you would enjoy your experience.”

They happened to look right. They saw Abigale with her growing belly. Liam looked at Oswald, “Two children coming soon.”

Oswald nodded, “I should go see her.”

Liam nodded, “I’ll speak with you later.”

In their old meeting spot, Abigale waited and that’s where Oswald found her. She was already naked and ready to receive him. He smiled as he approached the bed. He stopped. She reached for his pants. His cock spilled out, “We shouldn’t have sex while you’re pregnant.”

“Nonsense, Nothing will happen. We have already had plenty of sex while I am pregnant.” She turned and showed him her ass. He pushed into her wet center and humped wildly.

“Do you love her?” she asked

He humped faster, “I am here with you. And when I am with you ... we will not discuss my wife.”

She gulped.

He released his semen, “Things have changed Abigale. I want you to be here for the protection of our child and part of me will always love you. But you have to understand that my wife is my wife.”

She nodded. He adjusted himself and left.

As Queen Margret sat with her husband, Queen Godgifu was escorted in. Queen Margret stood, “I had no idea you were coming for a visit. How is King Charles?”

“He is well. I missed the girls. I had to come to visit them.”

“Winfred and Oswald just arrived today—”

“Queen Godgifu, I thought I heard your voice,” Winfred said as she walked in with Oswald and Liam. She hugged her stepmother.

“I had to come to see you. She looked at Winfred’s tiny belly, is this?”

She nodded, “We’re expecting our first.”

She smiled at Oswald, “Congratulations.”

Liam smirked, “You are going to be one busy man,” he joked under his breath.

Oswald sighed within. He thanked the queen for her kind words.

“Where is Darleen?” she asked.

“Everyone looked at her as if she knew. “We haven’t seen her in days. We thought she was with you in Mercia. Things were a little dull with Oswald and Winfred away.”

Queen Godgifu nodded, “Dear.” Suddenly, she felt light-headed, “A cup of water?”

“Certainly,” Queen Margret said as she sent a servant for a cup of water. She walked over to her, “Are you with child Queen Godgifu?”

She was frozen, “She didn’t know. She shook her head, “I don’t think so.”

Margret looked into her eyes, “I think you are. You are. You have the signs. You should be examined by our royal physician.”

“That’s not—”

“Nonsense, you are family.”

Later that evening, Queen Godgifu found Oswald. She dragged him to their secret spot and began kissing his mouth. He pushed her off. She scoffed, “What is this?”

“Is that child you’re carrying, mine?”

She shrugged, “I have no idea. It could be, but it could also be Charles’. I have never stopped sleeping with my husband. I do love him despite my indiscretions.”

He huffed. She rubbed his shoulders, “No need to get worked up. This baby is Charles’ baby. I will not make any demands of you. I am a Queen, after all. And I enjoy being a Queen.”

He nodded.

“I only want to experience you from time to time.” Her hand touched his swollen meat. He lifted her dress and gave her what she traveled so many miles for. Stoke after stroke, Godgifu yelped in passion. He savored all of him. They had no idea that Abigale was sitting nearby listening. Crying, as their sounds of passion grew louder.

Lisbon, Portugal

Aminata was torn about Yande. She hurled some harsh accusations at Queen Marie before she and Joaquin left the castle. Queen Marie didn’t care about her words. She had no proof. As far as most people were concerned Yande was a victim of an unfortunate circumstance.

She was able to get Cristian married to Lady Celeste. He didn’t want to but he didn’t have the energy to fight. Days after the consummation, Queen Marie was informed by the bank that the lands that Lady Celeste’s family owned had been purchased by someone else.

The lands that were promised to King Ferdinand no longer existed. Her heart nearly beat out of her chest. She spoke with her accountant, “What can be done? My brother will kill me if he knows that I married his son into a family with debt.”

He sighed, “You can ask King To—”

“I will not ask that man for anything.”

He opened his books, “You have several properties that can be used in place of—”

“And what am I to have?”

He sighed, “It’s that or ask the King.”

“Fine. Do what you have to do.”

He nodded and left.