The Heir

by Suzanna Lynn

  The Heir

  Book two in the Bed Wife Chronicles

  By Suzanna Lynn

  Copyright © 2015 by Suzanna Lynn

  The Heir – The Bed Wife Chronicles

  Smashwords Edition

  All rights reserved. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is strictly prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without express written permission from the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Edited by Hollie The Editor

  Content Editing by Shawn W. Gillogly

  Book Cover Design by Funky Book Designs

  Formatting by Sharon Kay of Amber Leaf Publishing

  (The following story contains mature themes and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.)

  Table of Contents

  Contents

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Dedication

  For those who can see that dragons exist in stories, not to be scary, but to show us what can be overcome.

  Chapter One

  The snow had fallen on the Kingdom of Grasmere for what felt like ages. Though it had been three months since the solstice, winter’s firm grip held tight over the lands and proved hard for the entire Kingdom. The people of the villages had difficulty keeping full bellies and warm hearths within their homes. Even inside the castle the hardship of winter had taken hold.

  Many in the castle had fallen ill from a strain of sickness that baffled the royal physician, Master Keon. Even King Ashmur was a victim of the relentless infection. It caused an intense fever, labored breathing and an inability to keep food down. Thankfully, though it left the sick feeble for nearly a month, none of those who had fallen ill had succumbed to perish.

  The fear of the illness had the Kingdom in a panic, especially with all the expectant bed wives within the castle. All the young women, excluding Luana, were fruitful in producing heirs and were heavy with child. Master Keon warned that, should one of the bed wives fall ill, their unborn child could be lost.

  Luana too, it seemed, contracted the illness. Though the symptoms were much milder, the illness took hold for far longer than in anyone else. For over a month she struggled with nausea and weakness. Master Keon checked on her several times at the pleading of Prince Baylin, only to dismiss it as the illness that plagued the Kingdom.

  However, the past few days proved to be a bit easier on Luana, and she was able to find comfort from the effects of the illness during the evening before she retired to bed.

  Standing on the frigid balcony in the moonlight, Luana stood wrapped in a thick, silvery grey fur hooded robe that Baylin had gifted her when the winter nights had turned harsh. She watched as great pillowy white flakes drifted through the air in utter silence, landing on those that had come before to create a thick, seamless pale blanket that covered the Kingdom in white.

  Through all the strain the mounding snow and unending illness was causing, Luana could not help but feel joy.

  That very day Master Keon had come to check on her. With her illness not passing, the worry was more than Baylin could bear. He insisted that she, again, be examined by the old physician.

  Luana thought about how Master Keon’s visit had changed everything for her.

  “Please come in, Master Keon.” Luana strained to hold the chamber door open as the wrinkled, hunched-over old man hobbled through the doorway. She shut the door as he made his way into the room.

  “His Grace, the Prince, tells me you are still feeling unwell. He has requested I examine you again.” She shut the door behind the old man as he entered the room and seated himself at a table. “Tell me, do the symptoms give you grief? Do any of your remedies seem to be helping?”

  In the beginning, when Luana brought Prince Baylin back from the brink of death, the old Master was highly skeptical of her use of herbs for healing. However, after seeing how many of them worked, he became more open to them and was kind enough to supply her with some when she needed them. He joked with her that she had more knowledge than the elves when it came to herbal remedies.

  Luana sat across the table from Master Keon. “Well, sir, I am very tired. I find that I cannot seem to get enough sleep. At times, I get rather sick, and some days I have trouble keeping anything but water down. However, other days I feel fine.”

  “Let’s see now, how long has this afflicted you?” Master Keon opened his black leather bag and took out a few bottles of herbs, along with some instruments that Luana was most certain she did not want used on her.

  “It comes and goes, as I said.” Luana looked at the Master’s instruments. She started to fidget as she watched him pull out more devices and lay them on the table. “But I suppose it’s been going on for nearly two months now. Back when the illness first showed up in the castle.” She bit her lip as the anxiety began to overwhelm her.

  “It comes and goes you say?” the old man asked, flipping through some pieces of parchment as though he were looking for something important. “And when do you find it to be at its worst?”

  Luana tilted her head to the side, narrowing her eyes as she looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean, sir?”

  “Do you find it to be worse after eating certain foods? Perhaps before bed?” the physician asked. “Do you feel ill in the morning, or do you wake feeling well?”

  “I suppose,” Luana said, fingering the hem of her sleeve as she shifted in her seat, “I would say I am most worse in the morning. As the day goes on, especially if I rest during the day, I feel much better in the evening.”

  Master Keon looked up at her from his work on the table. “My dear, when did you last bleed?”

  “Oh… it has been at least two months,” Luana said as the words gave her the answer that had been right in front of her the whole time. “Actually, if I’m not mistaken, it’s been nearly three.”

  Luana was angry with herself for not seeing it. “You fool!” she thought.

  “Are you entirely sure?” Master Keon questioned. “How can you be certain?”

  Luana blushed. “It was right before the winter solstice.”

  “And might I assume that you and Prince Baylin have lain together since then?” the old man asked.

  Luana pursed her lips together as she nodded, looking down at her hands in her lap. “Yes, sir. Many times.” She looked up at the old man, embarrassed at discussing the subject of making love to Baylin. She knew it was required, but it made her feel exposed.

  His expression softened. “Well, my dear, I would say you are with child. But I will need you to go lay on the bed so that I may confirm.”

  Luana looked from the Master to his instruments and then back to him again as her heart began to race. She gripped the arms of the chair, causing her knuckles to turn white under the strain. She sat up straight, her shoulders and back going ridged. “He is not going to poke and prod at me with those things.”

  The physician seemed to read her mind and smiled. “Do not worry, my dear. I just need to feel of your belly and check your heart, certainly nothing to fret over.” />
  His words caused Luana to slump back in her chair with relief. Her lips parted, releasing a deep breath she was unaware she had held. She did as she was told and laid down on the bed for the exam. She was slightly scared of the old man, especially since she had been so disrespectful of him before. However, he was kind to her.

  Master Keon pressed gently around on her lower stomach, as though he was outlining an imaginary circle. “My dear, I would say you are nearing your third month.”

  She opened her mouth, but words would not come. “How could I not have seen it?”

  He looked at Luana with a kind smile on his face. “It would seem that our Prince has an heir on the way.”

  She smiled at the old man in spite of herself. “I’m with child.”

  Luana sighed as the memory faded from her thoughts. Though her belly had not yet begun to swell, she couldn’t help but touch it lovingly and think of the tiny life growing inside. Please be a son.

  She gazed up at the deep blue sky. The stars filled the dark blanket of night like millions of winking diamonds and all of them stared down on her and the child within.

  Luana could feel the presence of Baylin as he quietly made his way out onto the balcony. He slipped up behind her, wrapping her in his arms. Even on the coldest of nights, his touch was as warm as the summer sun.

  “Good evening, my love,” Baylin said, kissing the curve of Luana’s neck. The sensation of his lips against her skin sent goose bumps all over her.

  Luana smiled as she turned to face him. She reached up and rested her hand on his cheek.

  “Did Master Keon come today?” Baylin asked as he slid a strand of Luana’s silver-blonde hair behind her ear.

  She nodded, trying not to act overly excited. She had been waiting all day for him to return so she could give him the news.

  Baylin cupped Luana’s chin, looking into her eyes. “What did he find? Why are you unable to recover from this illness?”

  The anticipation bubbled inside her as she struggled to keep her composure. “He said I am quite healthy.”

  “Healthy?” Baylin questioned, worry on his face. He paced the balcony, running a jerky hand through his long black hair. “How can he consider you healthy? You have been so weak for so long. Perhaps we should seek out another physician.”

  Luana smiled, walked up to Baylin and placed a gentle hand on his arm. “It is okay. I am healthy, I promise you. It’s just that…” She had waited for this moment for months and now that it had come she could hardly find the words.

  “Just what?” Baylin asked, his face heavy with concern.

  She took his hand into her own and gazed into his blue eyes. “Baylin, I am with child.”

  The Prince was still for a moment, as though comprehension had not quite taken hold when she said the words. However, the next instant, understanding and shock flooded his face and he placed his hand on her stomach. “With child? You’re with… we… I am to be a father?”

  Luana giggled and nodded. “Yes, my love.”

  Baylin pulled Luana to him and kissed her deeply. When he pulled away to look at her, Luana could see the thin sheen of tears he was fighting away. His face was pure joy as he knelt and kissed her stomach. “Our child.”

  Luana stroked his hair as he held his cheek against her belly, tears forming in her own eyes. Baylin stood and kissed her softly on the lips, then lifted Luana into his arms and carried her into the bed chamber.

  Baylin pushed through the thick indigo blue drapes that had been hung over the opening of the balcony to keep the weather out. The blazing hearth fought to keep the cold at bay. He carried Luana over to the bed, laying her gently atop a soft mound of furs. The Prince leaned in, kissing her. He began to pull away, but Luana gripped his tunic, drawing him in closer and kissing him again. She wanted nothing more than to celebrate their news by making love.

  She had been forced to suffer without Baylin for months. With his father ill, the Prince had been given all the responsibilities of the King. Luana had not felt Baylin’s touch for a couple of weeks as he spent a majority of his time in war council. But tonight he is mine.

  Baylin leaned in to the kiss as he slid his hands up Luana’s thighs, pushing her dress up over her waist. He rubbed his pelvis against hers. She could feel he was aroused, which caused a tingling between her thighs. She quickly began unlacing Baylin’s tunic. He pulled it over his head and threw it to the floor. As he kissed her, Luana’s hands explored his body, sliding over his hard muscles.

  Baylin put his strong hands on Luana’s hips as he leaned in, touching his lips to hers. She could feel his bulge pressing hard against his trousers. She became breathless, her stomach fluttered as she reached down and pulled at the laces of his pants. Baylin needed little else to encourage him. He stepped back and unlaced his trousers and let them fall to the floor.

  Baylin crawled back on top of Luana and took her in his arms. She could feel his erect member against her delicate flower. Just as Baylin began to press it against her, someone knocked at the chamber door.

  The couple broke their embrace, Luana throwing her head back on the soft bed in frustration. “No doubt it has something to do with war council.”

  Baylin groaned, as irritated as Luana. He clenched his jaw as he rose from the bed and pulled on his trousers. “I’m sorry. You know the safety of the Kingdom has to be my top priority. That does include your own safety, my dear.”

  Baylin crossed the room to the door, shaking his head as he went. He jerked the heavy wooden door open and found the King’s steward on the other side. “Prince Baylin, the King requested your presence at war council. He has new information to discuss.”

  “I will be there momentarily,” Baylin said with a heavy sigh. He closed the door and pinched the bridge of his nose.

  Luana sighed, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “Another night of planning, I see.”

  “Luana, you know I must.” Baylin walked over and sat next to her on the edge of the bed. “I am to be King one day. I care for the welfare of my people. I do not relish being pulled from your arms night after night.” Baylin brought Luana to him, holding her close. “My only desire is to be with you, here and now.”

  Luana knew there was no point in arguing. It’s not Baylin’s fault that the troll hordes have begun to congregate in the west. He’s only trying to protect his Kingdom. Though she tried to believe it, the words did not relieve the gnawing ache in her chest. She bit her lip to avoid voicing her impatience. He’s only trying to protect the Kingdom.

  “Could you at least… Can you get me permission to leave this room?” she asked, staring down at the furs on the bed. She knew it was forbidden, but she was so tired of being locked away with nothing to do.

  “You know I can’t, Luana,” the Prince said with sadness in his eyes. “If it were in my power, you know I would. But father has been very plain on this. You are not to leave the room except when summoned.”

  Luana felt disheartened by the words. She may have had the love of a wonderful man, but she remained a prisoner within the castle nonetheless.

  Baylin tilted her chin so her eyes met his. “When I am King, it will all be made right. You will see.” He leaned in and kissed Luana’s lips tenderly. “I must go.”

  The Prince walked from the room, leaving Luana alone with her thoughts.

  When he is King. The idea gave her hope, though there was still so much in those four words. He could only become King by the death of his father, and she would not wish the pain of that loss on Baylin, even if it meant she would remain a prisoner the rest of her life.

  Chapter Two

  Baylin stalked down the long corridor to the war room. He could not help but be angry for being pulled from Luana’s arms to spend the evening with a bunch of old men. I am to be a father. I should be celebrating. Not planning more strategies and warfare.

  The long hallway was lined with blazing torches, giving it a deceivingly warm look even during the harsh winter nights. He knew the
se halls well, having walked them nearly every night for the past two months since his father became sick. I have spent more time with my father and his men than I have with Luana.

  He thought of the night his father fell ill.

  In the wee hours of the morning Baylin woke with a jerk by a loud, urgent pounding on his chamber doors. Luana stirred when he pulled himself from the bed, wrapping a fur around him to keep the chill off. He walked across the dim room, the fire in the hearth cast a soft glow on the room as it threatened to extinguish.

  Just as he reached the door, the pounding came again. Baylin jerked the door open and found a young steward with a panicked expression on his sweaty face. The boy was breathless, as though he had run the whole way to the room.

  “Your Grace,” the steward said with a bow. “Your presence is urgently needed. His Grace, the King, has fallen ill.”

  Panic pulsed through Baylin’s body as he spun back into the room, grabbing his trousers and tunic. As he dressed, he asked the waiting steward, “What is the matter? Has Master Keon been to see him? Where is my mother?”

  “Master Keon attends him now,” the steward replied. “The Queen requests you come at once. They fear the worst, Your Grace. He has taken very ill with the cold. He struggles to breathe.”

  “Pull all the maids and stewards,” Baylin instructed. “Make sure Master Keon has as many hands as he needs to ensure he can properly care for the King.”

  The steward bowed and closed the door before carrying out his instructions.

  Luana sat up in bed at the sound of the commotion in the room. With sleepy eyes she yawned and asked, “What is it, my love?”

  Baylin turned to Luana, her mess of long silvery-blonde hair glittering in the dim light as it fell around her face and shoulders. “It’s my father. He’s fallen ill.”