Canto Seventy-One: Cutting the Ties:

She got pregnant—again. This would be our last child together. However, I wouldn’t hear about this until much, much later. Like when she was seven months ago. Imagine my shock when one of my subjects let it slip.

“What?!” I asked. The subject had a nervous look on his face. He couldn’t even look at me. I raised my eyebrow. The subject started mumbling to himself.

“What did you say?” I asked. The subject just stared at me.

“Seriously?” I asked. He bowed his head.

“I’m so sorry,” he mumbled. I slammed my fist down on the desk.

“That’s not good enough!” I shouted. My face was bright red. My subject turned around and ran. I sat down at my desk and sighed. Madonna was pregnant again? When did this happen? Oh, never mind. That happened. I buried my head in my hands. I had a good idea as to who’s idea this was. I know why she did this. But still…

“How long were you going to keep this from me?” I asked. Judith glanced up at me.

“I have no idea,” she said. It took my all not to scream at her.

“You don’t know? You don’t know?!” I asked. I couldn’t help when I raised my voice.

“Would it have made it any better?” she asked. I glared at her. I hated it when she was right. Judith closed her book.

“Look,” she said. “I’m trying to save this kingdom here. You have really gone off track when you started sleeping with angels. I get you can’t help who you fall in love with, but you have to think of your kingdom.” I clicked my tongue. I hated that she had a point. I got up and stormed out of the room.

“I’m doing this all for the kingdom! This is all for you!” she shouted after me. I waved her off as the door closed behind me.

They wouldn’t let me see her. They wouldn’t let me see my own wife. At first, I was upset about it. Over time, I didn’t know what to think. My subjects kept me busy with work and my children. My children. They gave up on asking about their mother. Well, almost all of them. Nicky never gave up hope on his dear mother. It broke my heart to see his face. I ran out of excuses to tell him.

“When will Momma get better?” he asked days before Christmas. I sighed and dropped my shoulders.

“I don’t know,” I said at last. He stared at me with big eyes. I patted him on the head.

“To be honest, I don’t think I will ever see her again,” I said.

“What?” he asked. I pulled him into my arms.

“I might not see you again either,” I said.

“Why?” Nicky asked. He looked up with a worried look on his face. I sighed.

“We aren’t supposed to be together,” I said. “You see… Momma is an angel. And I… Well, I am me.”

“What does that make me?” Nicky asked. I sighed.

“A mix of both of us,” I said. “You’re a mutt.” He had a hurt look in his eyes.

“Is… Is that a bad thing?” my little son asked.

“I don’t know,” I said. “They say it is, but I don’t know myself.” I held my son to my chest. He was trembling. It was then I knew that I couldn’t keep this up anymore. I couldn’t balance this family with my kingdom. I hurt to say it, but I knew what I had to do.

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The next morning, I can by Judith’s office and knocked on the door.

“Enter,” she said.

“I’m coming in,” I said. I opened the door and walked inside. Judith stood up when she saw me. I put up my hand.

“At ease,” I said. (I don’t know why I said that.) Judith didn’t need to ask me why I was here.

“Are you ready for my help?” she asked. I lowered my head.

“Yes,” I said in a low voice. She held out her hand. I took it, knowing what was going to come next. This was how it had to be. I had to let my wife go. I had to end this madness. This was going to hurt me, but it was for the best. I was doing this for Nicky, Madonna, and the rest of the kids.

“Then come with me,” Judith said. She led me out of her office.