You can read more short stories by the author Ryan Keith Johnson at http://thekingsretribution.blogspot.com

To read more of the author’s work go to

I would like to dedicate this story to Kristy.

It was dawn and the sun shined through the stain glass. The monarch sat in his throne with his head panned down. King Ruke Owen had a lot on his mind and was not happy with the past. Something tragic was buried in the past that provoked him, during the last years as father and ruler. He wished nothing more than the triumph of his country and daughter. He raised his head to watch the sun light strike through the stain glass of the sun and into his green eyes. The king could still hear his beautiful wife whisper into his ears seventeen years ago.

“Would you love me through sickness and health?” Queen Aarilinus whispered into the young king’s ear. Ruke’s hands slid across the queen’s forehead and through her lovely, black, locks that streamed throughout the blanket. The hair was like the night filled with stars just as it was tonight. Ruke was more interested in looking at the queen than listening to her. “Do you know what I want more than power?” asked the queen as Ruke kissed her lips and looked into her dark, brown, eyes. “I’m serious my lord?” Queen Aarilnus’ eyebrows raised. “What is it my lady?” asked King Owen. I’ve been holding a secret. I’m pregnant,” Aarilina cracked a smile as she watched the king grin. “We’re going to have an heir to the throne of Aria.”

As the months progressed, King Owen spent more time with the queen and cared for her.  They were inseparable and King Owen lowered his guard against his enemies. It was the day before the curse that set Ruke in motion, but until then they spent the time in conversation in their room. “A couple days ago you told me you weren’t well. Why do you feel sick?” asked King Owen as he watched Queen Aarilinus raise her shoulders. She seemed distant to speak about the matter, but prepared herself for what would perhaps dissatisfy. They sat upon the bed in moment of conversation as any other day. “Do you remember the young man you banished from Aria?” she asked slowly. “The rogue warrior, what about him?” answered Ruke as he sneered and looked away.  “He is in love with Olivia, our handmaiden and wants to make her his wife. Be merciful my lord, be kind, my king for it is only love. He came to me and cursed that I would die giving birth. He told me that because of your great evil that our child will die the same age as I. Aria will turn against a fool of kings and destroy the image of our royal family. Why are you keeping the handmaiden away from him? Why is he so angry with us?”