Valaisha Defenders: An Incredible Fantasy (Gateway Trilogy Book 2) Read online

  I asked him, “How bad was I, Doctor Kenley?”

  “Well Your Majesty, I will have to say I am surprised to see you this awake. With your type of injuries by rights, you should be dead, but someone up there was watching out for you. It truly is a miracle.” He picked up his bag he shook his head walking towards the door saying, “A real miracle.”

  Bryden was the first one in after the doctor left noticed the expression on my face as I contemplated the words of the doctor.

  “What is it, Shannon? Did the doctor say something bad?” He was looking so concerned at me.

  “Yes, I mean no. He just informed me of the seriousness of my injuries he didn’t expect me to live. He called it a miracle.”

  I wasn’t aware he was holding something in his hand. “There is something you have to see.” I also noticed he had changed his clothes as he had been wearing the clothes from the party and it had blood on it which he told me was my blood.

  He sat next to me carefully and showed me the tablet he held. “This is what Rayna did on her own and surprised everyone. You will be proud of her.” He hit the play, and Rayna’s face showed on the screen. Then I heard her speak. As she spoke clearly, and with a Royal Elegance, pride swelled up inside my heart, and her words were so touching and full of empathy and hope for the people. She acted like a real Queen that she is.

  “Wow,” I said softly. “I am very proud of her. With all, she went through she held it together like a real Queen. She had to have been angry and hurting not knowing if I would live or not and this...” I indicated the screen where I watched the broadcast.

  Tears were falling down my cheeks at what my poor baby must have been going through and to take time out to do a beautiful broadcast. It touched my heart. But I wiped my tears and took a deep breath and smiled.

  “You don’t always have to be strong Shannon. It shows your humanity showing emotion. That is what makes one a stronger person.”

  “Rayna said that to me.” I grinned “You know what?”

  “What, my darling?” That made me smile.

  “I feel hungry,” I said realizing I was pretty famished.

  He smiled at me, “I already thought of that and told them to bring you a light meal.”

  “As I said earlier, you always have taken care of me.” I was smiling.

  A few minutes later a servant came in carrying a trey and here I was still in a laying position. Bryden went to take the trey and thanked Amiya, the young servant, and she bowed and walked out. I was glad I had more alone time with Bryden. I can’t help but think my daughter had something to do with that.

  I was attempting to sit up, and it was painful. Bryden quickly put the trey down and ran over towards me to help me sit up and adjusted the pillows carefully behind me. Then he sat me carefully back against the pillows. I took a deep calming breath to settle the pain and relaxed into the pillow.

  Bryden set the trey down on the legs around my lap. I noticed the kitchen staff made an all liquid meal.

  I giggled slightly and looked up at Bryden. “I take it this was the Doctors order, served an all liquid meal?”

  He smiled, “Yes it was his order as you just had surgery.”

  “How long?” I said taking a bite of the soup.

  “The rest of today and tomorrow morning, then you can begin eating normally again.” He sat next to me on the edge of the bed.

  “I see.” I ate what I could, and Bryden took the trey and set it outside my bedroom door for the servant to bring back to the kitchen. He came back and sat on the edge of my bed.

  He was looking at me like a cat that ate the canary. “Since last night when I wasn’t sure if I was going to lose you or not. I vowed to myself if you survive and come back to me I was not going to mess up what was given back to us.” He paused took something out of his pocket and finished. “A second chance.”

  He was holding a beautiful engagement ring set in a small ring box. “It belonged to my mother. Luziann wanted her own, so I thought I would be saving this for Kieran. To be honest, I always knew it would be yours.”

  I sat there staring at it in complete surprise, then he took the ring out and lifted my left hand and slipped the ring on my finger. It was a perfect fit. I was overwhelmed with emotion.

  “Life is too short, let’s not waste any more time.”

  He was right; I almost died without knowing how much he loved me or how much I love him. I grabbed his shirt and brought him closer to me, and I finally answered him as my lips came close to his. “Yes, I agree.” I brought his lips to mine.

  A little later a tap came on the door and Rayna came in. Bryden and I were chatting and all smiles.

  “Mom?” She said as she came in. I looked over at her, and she entered the rest of the way in and came and stood by the bed. “I came to see how you are doing?”

  I smiled at her, “Thanks to your message and the prayers I am feeling stronger just sore from the surgery.” She bent over and hugged me carefully. “I love you, mom.”

  “I love you too babe.”

  Before she was about to turn and leave she noticed the ring on my finger. She looked at me then to Bryden and hugged him than me.

  “I knew you two would get together. I am so happy for you both.”

  “Please don’t say anything until we can properly announce it,” Bryden told her.

  “You can tell Galen only,” I looked at Bryden, “It is only right he is her husband, there shouldn’t be any secrets.”

  “I agree, only Galen.” Bryden agreed.

  Rayna excitedly said, “I promise only Galen. Oh, and I will make sure no one else disturbs you two the rest of the night.” With that, she was out.

  I smiled and turned looking at the man I love. Then I began to hurt again, and he noticed, “I think I was sitting up too long.”

  He helped me lay back down and ease the stress on my incision. I was just about in the middle of the bed by then.

  I patted the bed next to me. “Lay down beside me.”

  He smiled took off his shoes and laid down next to me. He faced me and wrapped his arm around me. And I carefully moved to my side to face him. The only way I was able to do that was with a pillow between us. I finally relaxed and eased the pain.

  “Babe you need to be careful,” Bryden said as I too wrapped my arm around him.

  I only smiled and said, “I wanted to snuggle with you and fall asleep in your arms.”

  He smiled at me. “Are you tired? It is still pretty early in the day.”

  “It’s the pain medicine the doctor gave me. I have been fighting it, and it is winning. Please don’t leave me.” I said yawning and closing my eyes.

  I felt him snuggle closer to me and kiss my cheek. “I promise to stay here with you now and forever. You just sleep now and heal.”

  7 Planning

  A week later Bryden and I were inseparable. He helped me walk until I could walk with less pain. He stayed and even slept on my bed letting me cuddle as I slept. The doctor has said I was doing good and healing fast for as severe as my injuries were.

  Today I am finally up and dressed and sitting at my table in my room with Bryden. We were discussing wedding plans. We feel it should be small sweet and intimate. And of course, Bryden will be crowned the new king of Valaisha.

  “Are you okay taking on all the responsibilities of King?” I asked sipping my drink.

  “When I asked you to be my wife, I knew the responsibilities that come with it. I am ready as long as we rule together.”

  “I love you.” I smiled, “I love saying that.”

  “I love hearing it.” He leaned over and kissed me. “I love you too.”

  “The doctor says I should be well enough next week. I have been thinking why wait? Look how long it took us to be together finally.”

  “You don’t have to convince me. I completely agree with you. Let’s do this.” He smiled at me and stood to pull me carefully up. He took me in his arm and kissed me making me weak in the knees.


  A knock sounded at my door and Bryden went to open it as I sat back down. I could hear Bryden asking questions at whoever was at the door. Then Bryden shut the door carrying something and bringing it over to me.

  “It seems Queen Joanita sent a get well gift for you. She heard of the tragedy and thought to send a gift of peace.”

  “That was thoughtful of her.” He handed me the gift, and I looked at what it was.

  It was a beautiful music box, it was black with a gold design on it, and when I opened the lid, it played a charming tune. “It’s beautiful,” I said smiling and setting it down on the table.

  “Should we announce our marriage before or after the ceremony?” I asked my husband to be.

  “If we do a broadcast before, everyone will expect a big ceremony. We can announce to the family before.”

  I nodded, “okay I agree. Maybe we can do a family dinner and announce it then?”

  He smiled and took my hands. “Now that is a plan.”

  It is three days later and with Bryden’s help, we planned a family dinner to make our special announcement. My elderly mother was there as was her nursemaid, and Bryden’s older sister was there as his parents passed away some years ago. We have Galen’s parents arriving along with Galen and Rayna. And of course, Bryden’s daughter Kieran.

  We were enjoying the food I planned for tonight, and the conversation is quite enjoyable. Everyone thought this was a small celebration for my healing so fast, only Galen and Rayna knew what was about to happen.

  We were all in the sitting room, and we all had Valaisha’s best bubbly in hand. When Bryden walked over to me as I sat in a chair, so I wouldn’t have to stand, then he raised his glass, and everyone else followed.

  “I would like to thank you all for accepting our invitation tonight to this special dinner.” Bryden began. “As you all know Queen Shannon’s healing is nothing less of a miracle and we are delighted for her speedy recovery. But, there is another special announcement and toast I would like to make.” He took a breath and continued. “Queen Shannon and I are to be married, and you all are invited. So, I want to toast to my bride's great health and our upcoming marriage.”

  Everyone jumped up and came to congratulate us, the toast lost in the excitement. “We plan to be married in the latter part of next week, and it will be family only,” I added smiling holding my love’s hand.

  “You will do a broadcast announcement, right?” King Derrik asked.

  “Yes, there will be a broadcast announcement, but it will be after the ceremony.”

  “And a coronation for you Bryden, will that be at the same time and day as the wedding?” Derrik asked again.

  “Yes, it will be on the same day so when we make the broadcast, I will be introduced as the new King of Valaisha.”

  “Well then let me commence the toast,” Derrik said lifting his glass towards us. “To Queen Shannon’s speedy recovery and future health, and to your new lives together. May you have a long and happy one. And to the future King of Valaisha, may you rule with grace and compassion for the people. Congratulations you two and to Peace!”

  And everyone added, “To Peace.” Then took a sip of their drink. Bryden bent down and kissed me, and we smiled at each other.

  The next few days became busy as a seamstress came and helped me to design a perfect dress for the ceremony, and Bryden has a tailor designing his ideal ceremony suit. Rayna is in charge of the floral and other decorations and to get the ballroom set up for the ceremony.

  It was her idea to reuse the arch she and Galen had used for their ceremony. I agreed with her. I let her do it all as she is finally ready to take on her first ceremony planning. I left it to her to plan for the meal and see to the cake. I know she struggles with Valaisha foods I told her I could look over the menu and advise her.

  I tried to help now and then but, Rayna got after me in a joking way, but was also serious as she wants me to relax and finish healing before the ceremony. “We all have everything under control mom. You still have to heal enough for the wedding night.” She said with a big smile, and I laughed.

  “Okay, okay. You know it is not easy for me to relinquish control to others. Must be the queen in me.” I smiled and sipped my coffee Rayna made for me, as she jotted down her thoughts and ideas for the ceremony.

  “Well, mom I am Queen too.”

  “Yes baby, of course, you are. That is why I suggested you do the planning and decorating. You need to spread your wings and learn how to plan for such functions.”

  “Thank you, mom. Now relax and let me do my job.” She smiled at me.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I said laughing, and she joined me.

  Each day from all the rest I was getting, I began to feel stronger and stronger. I was now able to walk without pain and was very glad for that. I had one more doctor visit the day before the ceremony and got an all is okay, and I could continue my duties as Queen. The doctor did inform me I will be a hundred percent healed in another three weeks, so I am not to over exert myself.

  The seamstress did a great job on the dress as I tried it on one last time. It was a gold dress with a long train off the shoulder sleeves and a graceful bodice that lead to flowing down to the floor a line style.

  From the injury I had suffered, I was advised to wear flat shoes so I have a lovely pair of matching gold shoes made and I have the perfect gold crown. It is the night before, and I have to say I was feeling nervous. I have faced so much as Queen, and this wedding ceremony is what I am feeling the most nervous about, even more so then when I married Rayna’s father. It is not because I have any doubts, I want to marry Bryden. I love him. Thinking of the past and all Bryden and I been through and our special friendship.

  I am coming to realize I was always in love with him. I was just so programmed all my life to becoming someone else’s wife, that I had not seen it before. And to be honest I loved my husband, but my heart overflows with a love that is greater than I ever felt before for a man. Maybe the nervousness is excitement. I am marrying the man I should have been with all along. My dress is tucked away in my massive walk-in closet, and I was standing there admiring it when I heard a knock on my bedroom door.

  I walked out and closed the closet door and went to see who was knocking. Bryden stood there looking handsome and had his hands behind his back. I smiled at the sight of him and welcomed him into my room and closed the door as I turned towards him he took out from behind his back a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He stood there with a smile and waited for me to receive the flowers, and I gladly did.

  “I needed to see you before tomorrow.” He said as I took the flowers and found a vase to place them in.

  “I am glad you are here,” I said smelling the flowers before I sat them down on my nightstand. I turned around, and he was standing right behind me, holding his arms out for me to walk in. It felt good being in his arms.

  Then I lead him to sit down on the bed beside me. “I have been doing a lot of heavy thinking this evening.” I began as I turned to look at him.

  He was already watching me. “What were you thinking about?” He asked taking hold of my hand.

  “Us,” I said, and he raised his eyebrows in question. “I was thinking about us growing up and all we did together and how we were inseparable. As you know, I was being programmed and groomed, about marrying Prince Nathanial during that time, and I couldn’t see anything else. As I now reflect on things and how I felt as you held me that day I nearly drowned, I thought it was fear that made my heart beat fast.”

  “And?” He said looking deeply into my eyes.

  “It wasn’t the reason. You were the reason. I now remember how I didn’t want you to stop holding me. That is the reality of it. But, back then I convinced myself it was from being grateful for you saving me. Bryden I been in love with you all along.” My eyes began to water a little with the realization of it.

  He smiled and leaned near me. “I always have known that.” He said very near my lips.

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sp; “You have?” I asked softly.

  “Yes always.” He took my lips then, and this kiss was different as I have now realized I loved this man my whole life. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he placed his arms around my waist and deepened the kiss. Yes, it wasn’t nervousness, after all, it is excitement I am feeling for tomorrow.

  The next morning, I woke and smiled. I am getting married today, and Valaisha is gaining a great new king. A knock sounded on my door. “Come in,” I said and in came Rayna along with a servant carrying a tray with breakfast.

  “I thought we could enjoy breakfast together before the hairdresser comes to do your hair,” Rayna said, and I smiled climbing out of bed putting my robe on I hugged my daughter.

  “You are the best daughter I could ever have had.”

  “Today you are gaining another daughter.”

  “Of course, and I love her too,” I said sitting down at my table where the servant was setting three places.

  I looked up at Rayna, and she added, “Kieran is on her way to join us.”

  “Perfect.” I smiled, and Rayna sat down. Just then another knock sounded on the door.

  “Come in, Kieran,” Rayna said. And Kieran came into the room and came over and hugged me before she sat down.

  She smiled and said, “This is exciting. Rayna told me last night about this little breakfast of mother and…” She paused looking around at us.

  “And Daughters.” I finished and smiled at Kieran.

  She got teary-eyed and smiled at me. “Rayna also said we would be helping you to get ready,” Kieran informed me sounding a little choked up.

  I patted her hand and smiled. “Kieran, I am glad you are joining our family. And to make that official. I had planned for you a private ceremony to crown you the new Princess of Valaisha.”

  “What? Me a Princess?” She sounded shocked. “I hadn’t thought I would become a princess.”