All that Brad could recall was the pain. It burned all over. It hurt to breathe, it hurt to exist. All he wanted to do was die. That was how much it hurt and for a moment there, he wished for it. Prayed that someone would have pity on him and put him out of his misery. Only to be reminded of Maria and their child. How could he leave them? Promises had been made and no matter the pain and how much he wanted it to end, Brad would not break those promises. So, in and out of consciousness he would moan her name. Those attending him sharing stressing looks, but not saying a word.<br/><br/>When he finally awoke it was to the sight of the King. The old man’s face was worn from what must have been a few sleepless nights at the side of Brad’s bed. Though why he would have wasted his time there, one could only guess.<br/><br/>“Your Highness,” his voice weak and body even weaker, Brad still tried to get to sit up. Though a sharp pain stole his breath and forced him to fall back.<br/><br/>“Easy there son…easy…” the King crooned to him and offered him a drink of water.<br/><br/>“Thank you…”<br/><br/>A nod given once the drink was done the King sat there in silence with Brad for a moment before he spoke. “Maria is carrying your child…yes?”<br/><br/>If possible, Brad became even paler as he looked from the king to the ceiling before he nodded.<br/><br/>“Yet, you saved him. When if he had been slain I would have likely named you my son and given you Maria as your bride for all that you’ve done…”<br/><br/>“It is not in my nature to allow someone to come to harm when I can prevent it. No matter my feelings…”<br/><br/>“Ivor…is a disappointment…” the king said after a moment. “I know of his tastes are different and violent. I know he is cruel and I fear for my kingdom when it passes to him. But there is no other as the twins are too young and naïve to rule. And my daughter,” a visible sneer came to his face. “I cannot…” another pause.  “I will not speak of you and Maria. You saved my son, saved Maria and have been to me like to son that I wanted. You will be like family to us but cannot openly share in your relationship with Maria. I will…allow you to see one another. It is the least that I can do. But the child can never know who it comes from and will be raised as my grandchild. Understand?”<br/><br/>“What if I can’t stand by that?”<br/><br/>“Then I will have to execute you and I don’t want to…”<br/><br/>“I love her…”<br/><br/>“I know and I know she loves you…” there was another pause so he stood and walked to the door. “I’ll send her in to see you.”