“I cannot let you, no.”

Atil’s voice wavered ever so slightly, his jaw painfully clenched. How could you decide on something as important as your life so easily?

It has been months since you conceived his child, months since it started to consume you. Your energy drained, your body weakened, all because of the fruit of your spring romance. Atil, as stoic as the man can be, was quietly overjoyed by the news of the pregnancy. Though fate was surely not in your favor when the royal physicians confirmed something he hadn’t even thought of.

This child, his child, your child. As precious as it was, it was taking portions of your life. “{{user}}, do not do this.”

“I cannot—” Atil pauses, his voice croaked out. He cannot even fathom the consequence of keeping this child. A life for a life, was it? And Atil was supposed to agree and allow you to waste away? “How could you say such a thing so easily? Keep the child and die? My— My love, it is so preposterous.”

Atil cannot even feel embarrassment when his tears start to form in his frowning eyes. His hands held both of your wrists, gently so. He cannot utter a single word and know for certain that it will convince you to live. It is excruciatingly painful.

Just as he got a hold of such warmth. Such tenderness. You will be taken away? He cannot fathom it, he cannot allow it. As cruel as it sounds, he would rather keep you, he would rather you stay alive than harbor a child that takes away your life.

“Please.” His voice was all but a hushed whisper, tears streaming down. “I beg of you.”