Chapter 20: How Could You Do That?

His eyes fluttered open, and he realized he was still lying in the grass. Darian reached out instinctively to where his mother had been lying, only to find the space empty.

He thought about what he did. What they did together yesterday. He wondered what would be his older brother’s possible reaction and the kingdom’s response. If Nymira’s husband was dead, who was the father of the unborn child? Would Nome still choose to be with Nymira, knowing she was pregnant with his child?

He noticed someone’s figure looming over him. “Mother?”

The reply came in a gruff voice, “Not quite, Your Majesty,” Jason, the head of the guards, responded.

“Is it morning?”

“It is, Your Majesty. I come bearing a message from the queen. She wishes to see you in the council room immediately to discuss the events of last night. She seemed ... quite insistent.”

“I hope ‘immediately’ doesn’t mean right this moment?” Darian yawned, still coming to his senses.

“Unfortunately, it does.”

Darian sighed, pushing himself into an upright position. “Tell me at least,” he ran a hand through his tousled hair. “Is she angry?”

“To be honest, Your Majesty, she appeared quite irritated.”

“So she is.”

It’s hard to judge this woman. It’s easy to get upset when you know your son knocked you up last night. Standing up, Darian gripped Jason’s glove. “I appreciate your assistance.”

“I’ll accompany you to the castle, Your Majesty, if you don’t mind,” Jason offered.

“I know the way. Thank you.”

“And still, your older brother ... shall we say, a little irritated too.”

Darian just nodded and thought, “So, I guess he knows.” Along the way, castle guests who hadn’t yet left after yesterday’s celebration greeted him. While shaking hands, he noticed some strange looks--some judging, others playful.

“What is that about?” He noticed a dejected look on Jason’s face. “Do you want to tell me something, Jason? You’ve got that ‘I-don’t-want-to-upset-the-king-with-news’ look that I had seen more times than you think. What’s happening?”

Jason glanced around, limited by the bulk of his helmet, ensuring no one could spot or overhear them in this secluded part of the garden. “Rumors are spreading throughout the kingdom, Your Majesty. Curious eyes have spotted the king and queen disappearing the other night after the celebration. Whispers from the servants and guests might soon weave all sorts of tales within the city and even beyond. It’s none of my business, but perhaps it’s time to make everything public?”

“Make public what?”

“You know what, Your Majesty,” Jason said, looking meaningfully into Darian’s eyes as a convoy of sentries passed nearby and saluted the king.

Darian sniffed. Now he’s irritated too. “You are right. I suppose it’s none of your business.”

They were silent the rest of the way until a large wooden door adorned with an engraved bear’s head appeared. “Wait here,” Darian opened the door, instantly greeted by the familiar scents of mint, roses, and milk “Mother?”

Nymira stood at the end of the room behind a large table by the window. She wore a fresh dress with a V-neckline, her blonde hair cascading loosely. He couldn’t help but think about his seed inside her. Suddenly, the idea of being both her son and the father of her child felt strange to him, yet there was an undeniable thrill to it.

“Come in,” she said. “I left at dawn while you were sleeping. I wanted to make sure our rendezvous in the grass remained hidden.”

Judging by my morning walk of shame, it’s not like you succeeded. He walked over and looked out the window that opened onto the castle courtyard as Nome rode his horse through the gates, returning from the city.

Darian spoke first. “So he knows that we...?”

“I didn’t confess, but your brother is smart. He guessed. And I fear it might shatter his heart,” her fingers idly traced the edge of a table. “He’s always been imposing on the outside and sensitive on the inside.”

“Your favorite son,” he replied.

She playfully swatted his arm. “Don’t talk nonsense. You’re all my favorites. When you’re not trying to get under my skirt or impregnate me.”

She stepped nearer and tried to kiss him on the cheek, but he used it, planting a kiss on her lips, and the kiss was far from a motherly one: instead, Darian kissed her with the fervor of a man enraptured by a woman. The flavor of his mother ignited an intoxicating pleasure, the forbidden taste. The taste of his mother. His tongue explored her mouth, savoring her unique taste. Pleasure coursed through him, his lips explored hers with an intensity that betrayed the bond of blood. Time waned until she gently parted from him. “No, Darian. We had a deal yesterday. One last time for...”

“For Nome being a King,” he sighed, still feeling her on his lips. “I remember, Mother.” The levity ebbed away as the atmosphere turned serious. “What did you want to talk about?”

“How do you think?” She slowly turned her eyes toward him again and touched his cheek. “I just wanted to ask you. To ask why you did it, sweetie.”

“Why?” Darian chuckled softly, his lips curling into a wry smile. “You mean...”

“Why do you want to make me pregnant? Out of all the women within the realm, why me? Why your mother?” she pressed, furrowing her eyebrows.

Despite everything he went through, this question stumped him. “I don’t think I know ... Because I am the Serpent-Slayer, and because some traditions should be kept.”

She chuckled.”And that’s all? Traditions? I have a feeling you’re not being entirely honest, either with me or yourself. I could see it in your eyes yesterday. It’s more than just preserving old traditions, my dear. It was something wild within you, fierce. It actually scared me a bit. It felt like I momentarily lost you ... It’s as if some primal force has taken hold of you, an animalistic urge.”

Darian struggled to produce any kind of response. What could one even say in such a situation?

He remembered the look in her eyes. How she loved what they were doing, he recalled a look of animal enjoyment on her face. Breaking taboos, being inseminated by her own son. She may have been playing the strict and faithful wife, putting off such a strange relationship, but deep inside she loved it.