Chapter Sixty: Lady in White:

Things keep getting worse. Madonna seemed to be calm. She wasn’t crying anymore. My wife still didn’t leave her room, but she was moving around a little bit. Madonna started eating again. She still wasn’t smiling, though. My stomach turned as I had the feeling that something was going to go right.

It was only that one time. Why didn’t she stop me? It was supposed to kiss and that shouldn’t have happened. Still, I wanted to make her happy. By then, I started to see that I was part of the problem. Even then, I ignored it.

“Are you feeling okay?” I asked her.

“Yes,” Madonna said in a dreamy tone. She stared off into space. Her hands rubbed on her belly. I still wouldn’t let our sons to see her yet.

“Is Mommy okay?” Camon asked. I smiled and patted him on the head.

“She still has problems,” I said.

“Can we see her yet?” Judas asked.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said. They ask that question every day. I knew that I couldn’t keep them away from their mother for long. I struggled to keep it altogether. However, there was one positive that was coming in my life.

The war was coming to end. It would only take a few more months. Italy had already surrendered. My kingdom isn’t as busy as it has been for the past six years. Maybe I could get back some control. Two more countries to surrender, right? I can hang on until then. It should be easy, right?

“Papa? Papa?” I heard at my side. I looked down to see my son looking up at me.

“Yes, Camon?” I asked.

“I’m hungry,” he said. I gave him a little smile.

“Okay,” I said. “Come on. Let me fix you something.” I have gotten better at cooking. I had to. Everything fell on me. I didn’t mind the cooking though. It calmed me down a little bit. The kitchen was the only quiet place in my castle. The boys have found a way to entertain themselves. Nicky stayed by my side. He’s doing much better than he was when he was trapped by my wife’s side. He doesn’t cry much, but he sleeps well. His brothers are adjusting to him. Camon wasn’t a fan of him. Judas and Aon were warming up to him. How were they going to take the new baby?

Dinners have been quiet lately. The only thing they ask is if they can see their mother. I can’t let them see her like that. I myself started to put distance between us. Something about the eerie look on her face made me worry. Was that even my wife anymore? Everyone around me keeps telling me what I need to do.

“You have to let her go, my lord,” another subject told me. I hated how much she was right, but still…

“What is your name?” I asked.

“Judith,” the subject said.

“I see…” I said. “Say, are you busy right now?” Judith tilted her head.

“No…” she said.

“Can you walk with to see my wife?” I asked. “You don’t have to do anything. You don’t really have to go in. I just need the company.” I don’t know why I said that. It just came out that way.

“Sure, I guess,” she said.

“Thank you,” I said, bowing my head.

Usually, I never got to know any of my subjects. For some reason, I saw Judith as an ally. Maybe she could try and help keep it altogether before this war is over.

“Where exactly do you work?” I asked. “Like what position or area?” She looked over her shoulder at me.

“The manual side,” she said. “I keep the fire going.”

“I see,” I said. I would have to change that later. We made it to Madonna’s room. I didn’t know what she was going to be like. I took a breath and knocked on the door.

“Sweetheart,” I said. “I’m coming in.” There was no response as usual. I braced myself as I turned the door knob and opened the door. Judith followed me inside.