Life As We Didn't Know It

1. The Beginning Of Something Different

Fate has a funny way of letting things slide, then taking retribution in the most surprising forms.

For instance, the young Ilane of Seabeth and Seajen had been secretly engaged to Baron Piers of Mindelan for a little over two months when her father decided to marry her off as soon as possible to her most viable, persistent suitor, Baird of Queenscove. Then, one Midwinter's day of 437 HE, the now-titled Duchess of Queenscove had a raging spat with her husband. What about, one cannot remember, as it is indeed a common occurrence in many a relationship. However, this spat in particular had unforeseen consequences.

Late August the next year, a bastard son was born to the line of Queenscove. The unwitting mother was chased off from their lands, never to return again. Devastated by her husband's infidelity, Duchess Ilane felt utterly betrayed. And yet, she remained quiet over the matter, and decided to bring up the boy as her own. She could not help but soon come to adore him; his resemblance to his father made it so no one could tell he was not truly hers. This boy was named Nealan.

Despite Ilane's silence, which lasted well and strong, she faltered upon meeting her former sweetheart four years later at a masque thrown by a mutual friend. Swept up in the moment, things got carried away. Regret would greet her soon enough but it wasn't until she'd later miss her courses that she'd realise the true meaning of what she'd done that night. Foolishly, drunkenly, Duchess Ilane had forgotten that her pregnancy charm had been pulled off during a tussle with one of her ever lively brood. One very fertile woman and a instance of passion - well, needless to say, another illegitimate babe was soon on its way to make a mark on the world.

Despite the pain she had felt at her husband's betrayal, Ilane went on to commit the same wrong. While they both learned to forgive each other, their relationship was damaged. It wasn't until seven years had passed that reparations would begin. This was when a betrothal contract was set forward for the hand of their ninth and youngest child, Keladry of Queenscove.

Hello again. Again.

It's been a hell of a long while since I last posted anything on this website. I'm not sure how well this will turn out but, hey, no harm in trying, right? So, this story began, poorly, in 2010 but I've been planning to rewrite it for quite some time now. Please review to let me know what you think!

- Khadeejah, 25/11/2015