In a kingdom named Valhaimadoscalar, the town bustled with muscle and hustle. Everybody minded their own business, doing what they could to earn a day's worth of cash.
And the kids? You know what they were doing: running around and playing with their friends. These two kids raced from the market all the way to the entrance of the King's castle. When they arrived in front of the castle, guards blocked their way, holding spears.
One kid said, "Mister Knight-Guard, sir, please can we come in?"
"No, kids. Today is a special day for the kingdom," the guard said.
"Whoa, a special day! Wow, Mister Knight-Guard!"
"Yes, now shh! Shush and go home."
Another kid chimed in, "Okay, okay, Mister. What special day is it?"
The guard leaned in. "So, you want to know, huh?"
"Yes! Yes! Tell us, Mister Guard-Knight, sir!"
"The Queen is having her baby today."
"A baby!" all the kids gasped.
"Yes, yes. Now you know, so go home."
"Okay, okay, we're going."
They turned back, preparing to race to the market.
"On your marks, get ready, and—"
"Lisa! Are you ready?"
"Uh-oh, sorry Maxwell. I think I saw the King."
"Of course! This is the castle, after all," Maxwell shouted. "Now, let's go!"
They all ran back toward the market.
"Comrade, did you really have to tell those kids? I mean, they might spread the news."
"Comrade Justice, if I didn't tell them, they'd still be here."
"Yeah, you're right. So, do you think it's going to be a male or a female?"
"I don't even know," the guard replied, turning his head to stare at the castle. "I just pray it will be a male."
In the castle's birthing chamber, the atmosphere was heavy. The King paced, his cape sweeping the stone floor. Suddenly, a cry pierced the air—not one, but two.
The midwife looked up, eyes wide. "Your Majesty... it is a double blessing."
The King rushed into the chamber, sweaty and anxious. He walked briskly toward his wife, the Queen.
"My love. Ha! You did it. Finally, the heirs of this kingdom have been secured," he said, cuddling his wife. "Sister Abbie, can I see my children?"
Sister Abbie stepped forward, her movements stiff. She was only holding one bundle. The King reached out, his hands finally steadying as he took the boy. He stared down at the small face, a grin breaking across his beard.
"Look at him," he breathed, turning so the Queen could see. "He's got my face. Even the hair... it's as golden as mine. There's no mistaking it. This is my blood."
He laughed, a deep sound that rumbled in his chest, pressing his forehead against the infant's. "Aww, this is my child. My boy."
He stood there for a second, lost in the moment, before his head snapped up. He looked at the Sister, his eyes narrowing as the room went quiet.
"Wait a moment," he said, his voice dropping. "You said a double blessing. Where is my other child?"
Sister Abbie's face went pale. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out at first—just a dry, clicking sound in her throat. She looked at the Queen, then back at the King, her hands trembling against her habit.
"I... Your Majesty, I..." she stuttered, her voice failing her.
She didn't finish the sentence. Instead, she turned and walked back to the small wooden cot in the corner. She picked up the second bundle, moving much slower this time. She walked back and held the baby out.
The King looked down. The silence in the room changed. It wasn't the happy kind of quiet anymore; it was heavy.
The golden hair wasn't there. This child didn't look like the first one at all.
"What is this?"