You have to mate

Thankfully, King Aster is more than content to let this marriage exist only on paper while you sort out your feelings. The first month you simply are in a daze. You go through the motions, but you aren't truly there. It doesn't stop you from taking care of Sorrel, but the little fawn can tell something is wrong. He's constantly cuddling up to you and dragging you around the castle. Slowly, he gets you to open back up. By the time he gets you to smile and laugh like you used to, it's been a year since you received your injection.

It startles you when you enter the dining hall. The servants had laid out a beautiful breakfast for you, while the King and Sorrel waited at one end with two wrapped boxes. Little Sorrel was bouncing in his seat. "Happy birthday Momma Forrest!" he yells.

You can feel the tears welling up in your eyes. "Thank you Sorrel." you say before turning your attention to his father, "Good morning, my king."

"Good morning and happy birthday Forrest." he says, "Come take a seat. The staff have been hard at work all morning."

You take a seat next to Sorrel, who eagerly launches into a long spiel about everything the two of you are going to do. A quick glance at Aster, who gives you an apologetic smile, tells you all you need to know. It's going to be a very busy day and you probably won't get a chance to speak with your husband until tonight.

It's nothing that you aren't used to. Ever since the truth came out about Prince Sorrel's sickness, the Woods have been up in arms. Your sperm donor has been trying to run damage control, but it's much too late for that. The kingdom of the Fresh Pines, as well as the Everlasting Oaks, have been pushing for King Atticus to be taken to trail. Meanwhile, the kingdoms of the Frosted Aspens and the Whittled Birch are calling for the king to step down and let Roan take the throne. Even the people of the Ancient Forest are turning against their king, if rumors are true. It seems that his time as king is coming to an end. It all comes down to how it's handled. You know that, while your husband is ready to march off to war, he's trying to avoid it. Sorrel and yourself need him.

You give him a nod, letting him know you understand. You will have to talk to him tonight though. It's been a year since you got your injection and you can feel the deadline looming. The outside world doesn't care about whatever disagreements the fauns are having, you still have to fulfill your breeding requirement. And seeing as you are married to the King of the Fresh Pines, you know what needs to happen next.

You don't feel ready for this step. It's nothing like you imagined as a young faun. While King Aster is kind and treats you respectfully, you're unsure if it is love. The two of you don't get much time together and over half of that time is with Sorrel. You know he loves the stars and walks during the snowy nights. How excited he gets when the kitchen staff makes carrot cake. The way his eyes light up whenever Sorrel enters a room. He tells you about his day when the two of you go to bed and listens to you when you speak about your lessons. Some people would describe that as love, yes? But... where are the butterflies in your stomach? The longing for him when he's away? Can you truly be in love without those feelings?

It doesn't matter. Love is irrelevant when it comes to breeding. All you need to do is lie there while the king does the work. You can handle the rest from there. A part of you rises up, excited to give Sorrel the sibling he's always wanted. He's been asking for a brother since Yule. Maybe that would be enough to get through this.

Either way, you have to breed... whether you or King Aster want to.