Page 69 of Bewitched

“You told me, but I guess I didn’t comprehend it.” Fascinated, he walked back into the room. “It’s amazing.” He approached the bed.

The baby crawled around the bed, exploring the pillows.

“This is fantastic,” he continued. “We’ll make an army quicker than I even imagined. So, how fast can you crank these things out?”

“Pardon me?” she said, not liking the way he spoke about her child. “It is not a thing. It is a child. A baby. My daughter.”

“Sure, sure it is,” he said, waving away the suggestion, staring at the baby. “So how long after conception can I expect my first soldier to appear?”

“I-I don’t know,” she answered. “This baby was born in one day after conception, but you need to remember the baby’s father was magical too. You are only human.”

“What?” he asked, his head snapping upward. “I thought this was the child of my knight, Rhys Blackseed. I recently discovered that his mother is a fae, but are you saying that he has special powers too?”

Medea could have kicked herself for pointing out this fact, even though the King probably would have figured out the details by himself in time. Still, she knew magic was prohibited on Mura and part of her didn’t want Rhys to get in trouble.

“I don’t think you need to concern yourself with my business,” she snapped, feeling her anger and the darkness inside her growing just looking at the man.

“Of course, my lady, you’re right.”

His use of the title of lady simmered her emotions a little. She liked being referred to that way for some reason, even if back in Tanglewood she hated to be called my lady or Queen.

“When you are Queen, I will make certain never to pry into your business again.”

“When I’m Queen? How about you start right now by addressing me with respect?”

“Don’t sound so upset. After all, you’ll be Queen soon, since we’re to be married this morning. Let me see this magical daughter of mine.” He reached out for the baby, and suddenly Medea became panicked. She didn’t like the man calling the child his daughter. This was Rhys’ baby, not his. She certainly didn’t want him touching the baby either.

“Nay! Get away.” Once again, she used her powers, sending the King sliding out the door.

“Medea, you really should learn to control your temper,” grumbled the King, letting his guards assist him to a standing position once again. “Now, I’ve called for your handmaid to help you dress for the wedding. I’ve also taken the liberty of securing a gown for the wedding that I’d like you to wear.”

“I don’t need anyone’s help. Now leave!” She scooped the baby off the bed and cuddled the little girl to her chest, as she turned her back on the King and walked over to stare out the open window.

“Of course, my love,” said the King from behind her.

Medea shivered when the King called her his love. It didn’t feel right. The only person she wanted to hear that from was Rhys. Osric didn’t love her, and she certainly didn’t love him. The only man she truly had feelings like this for right now was Rhys Blackseed.

“My lady?” came a small voice from the door. Medea looked back over her shoulder to realize that the King had left and Henriette stood in his place. She held what looked like a white wedding gown in her arms.

“Henriette?” she asked. “I thought you were the midwife, not my handmaid.”

“I am both,” said the woman, who looked old enough to have a child Medea’s age. “May I come in to assist you in dressing?”

“I suppose,” Medea answered with a sigh.

The handmaid entered and closed the door, stopping in her tracks when Medea turned around and she saw the baby in her arms.

“W-what happened to the baby?” she gasped.

“My child is magical,” explained Medea. “If it’s like me, it’ll age one year each day until she turns eighteen.”

“H-how can this be?” The woman truly looked scared. Now that Medea’s anger was subsiding, she felt as if she wanted to calm her handmaid. After all, Henriette had been kind to her, and Medea liked her.

“Don’t be frightened,” she said with a smile. “It’s the way my magic works.”

“I see.” The woman’s eyes fastened to the baby. She stared at it, blinking, and looking astonished.

“Did you want to hold her?” asked Medea. This seemed to help the woman relax.