I will give this Kingdom a son

The first day of spring arrived, but there were no signs of renewal and joy anywhere in the Castle or Kingdom. King Caleb West had died recently, and everyone was settling into Dixon's new role of King. One of Dixon's first changes in the Castle was the staffing assignment. The staff were still adjusting to the changes, and Dixon was quite happy with himself. He seemed in lighter spirits as Denah’s pregnancy progressed, and was especially happy to see Helen serving him his breakfast again. He knew Denah hated to see Helen every morning, but he didn’t care. He was King, and this was his Kingdom. When another serving girl appeared with breakfast he was annoyed and disapoined.

“Where’s He-… didn’t I move you?”
“You did, your Grace,” the girl replied timidly “Helen is in the servants quarters… she’ll be havin’ the baby any hour now”

“What?!” Denah and Dixon replied in unison.

“I thought you knew, she’s been having terrible pains all night…midwife says she’s not makin' no progress… we’re all worried for her..”

The colour drained from Denah’s face. Is this the dark cloud that’s settled over the castle? She hated to wish ill on another person, but the death of Helen and any child in birth would be just fine with her.

The dowager Queen could see the concern on Dixon and Denah’s faces, but felt no emotion for the woman who threatened her late Husband’s kingdom.
“Well we're all worried for the woman… just bring us our breakfast and be on your way”

“Thank you Madam” she replied quickly.

The entire castle spent the rest of the day going about their business quickly and quietly, waiting for news of Helen.
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The following morning, a new serving girl arrived with a simple breakfast, and a somber face to match that of Dixon. Jenny hated to be out of the loop and demanded to know what has going on.

“Helen has delivered a boy, but still suffers greatly. The midwife has called for a doctor.”

Denah and the Dowager Queen both paled at the news that the child was a boy.

Dixon's face brightened a little“I have a son”

Denah burst into tears and ran up to her rooms.

“Congratulations.” Jenny said bitterly.
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Denah’s sobs could be heard throughout the castle through the afternoon and well into the evening. By nightfall her cries of anguish were mixed with the cries of labour, she had spent the entire day rambling about failing the King, and that the kingdom would be lost to a bastard pretender. When the pain was too much to bear she ordered her ladies to fetch the midwife. Danica had been receiving regular updates on Helen, but she didn't dare share the news with Denah in her fragile state. When the Midwife arrived, her first question was about Helen, but the midwife quickly and cleverly avoided answering. As the night wore on Denah became more weak, and when the time came she barely had the energy to push. She had lost all hope.

“What’s the point!” she cried “Son or Daughter he doesn't love me! I am lost!”

Danica and Jenny shared a look, they were on either side of Denah and were trying to coach her birth, but they both knew where this could lead.

“You must be strong” Jenny said “Your daughters need their mother! Who will find them good husbands? Who will raise this new son to be a good King?”

Denah looked over to her mother in law with listless eyes “Do you know something I don’t?”

“No woman could be so unlucky. You must have faith and be strong! Give birth to your son!”

Denah could feel the last of her strength come to the surface, Jenny was right. Even if it’s the last thing I do, she thought, I will give this Kingdom a son…