Princess of Pain

Plot
After waking up, I looked at the calendar and the date was February 20, 1483, nine months since my wife got pregnant. I had a feeling that the baby was a girl. Rowan came into my room after I woke up.

“Rowan, what are you doing here?” I asked astonished.

“Sting sent me. He wanted me to tell you about the baby.” Rowan replied.

“Is everything right with the child?” I asked.

“Apparently, yes.” He replied.

“And how is Sting?” I asked him a bit worried.

“Something has happened to him. That’s why he sent me instead of coming here.” Rowan replied.

“Poor boy, he is suffering too much. I knew my archenemy was going to attack us!” I shouted.

 “He can’t sleep. Every night he keeps complaining about his pain. Are you sure you didn’t use your power on him?” Rowan inquired.

“Of course not! I wouldn’t hurt him even if I needed.” I replied.

“Perhaps we should visit him? I think he will like a bit of company during his hard time.” Rowan asked.

Without saying a word, I followed him on his way to the private place where Sting was. When we arrived, Sting smiled at his older brother and looked at me like he already knew who I was.

“What are you two doing here?” Sting asked his brother.

“The King wanted to see you, Sting. His daughter’s birth will happen soon and he wants you to be her bodyguard. As soon as you are feeling better, of course.” Rowan replied.

“Can we talk in private, my King?” Sting asked me.

“Of course. You may leave now, Rowan.” I replied and watched Rowan flame away.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How are you feeling, Sting?” I asked him.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Bad. My body is all sore and it feels like I was attacked with a sword.” He replied in tears.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Rowan and I will look after you, my boy. I’ll never leave you alone until you don’t need me anymore.” I replied whilst holding his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And... The doctor visited me a couple of weeks ago, and said I can never have children.” He replied in tears.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked at the sad face he made when he finished the phrase. I knew he would look after my daughter as his own, and would be a good friend to her, too.

<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s sad. But I know you will look after my daughter like your own, Sting. So I don’t have to worry about anything. That’s why I named you as Melinda’s bodyguard.” I replied.