~ Elara’s POVTears streamed down my face as I clung to Rufus. I just kept saying thank you over and over again, my voice thick with emotion. The fear of losing my baby had been so strong, and now that Rufus' actions had somehow prevented it, the relief washed over me in a wave. Even though Rufus gently pulled back, I held onto him as if my dear life depended on him. The terror of almost losing my baby was still raw, and letting go felt like stepping off a cliff. Tears welled up again. I sniffled, "But Rufus, what you did..." My voice cracked. "I was so scared. I thought..." I couldn't even say the words out loud. Rufus must have seen the fear etched on my face because his smile softened further. "Hey," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "It's alright to be scared. But you're strong, Elara. You're going to be okay, and so is the baby." He brushed a stray tear off my cheek with his thumb. He helped me lie down on the bed, tucking the covers gently around me. "You need to rest
~ Elara’s POVWas I being too demanding? Taking advantage of his good nature? I thought to myself while I was in Rufus’s back. But then I looked up at Rufus' face. His expression was pure joy, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He wasn't straining, he wasn't annoyed. He just seemed genuinely happy to be taking care of me. Maybe, I thought, letting myself relax completely against him, that was part of love too. Accepting that someone wants to take care of you, even when it feels a little strange. So I snuggled in a bit closer, a contented sigh escaping my lips, and enjoyed the ride.We finally reached home, laden with bags from our shopping trip. As I started unloading groceries, Rufus stopped me with a gentle hand. "Wait a sec," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. He reached for another bag, the one he had mysteriously appeared with earlier. My heart thumped with a mix of excitement and curiosity. What could possibly be in that bag? He carefully handed it to me, and as I peeke
~ Rayel’s POVBoris was a ball of nervous energy, walking back and forth across the office like a caged lion. I tore my gaze away from him and refocused on Dr. Ralph. "Thanks a million for explaining everything, Ralph," I said, wanting to make sure I understood everything he had said. Dr. Ralph gave a short, polite bow to acknowledge my thanks. Feeling a little lighter, I turned back to him and asked, "So, am I good to go now?"Just as Dr. Ralph was about to answer my question, Boris barreled in, interrupting us. "Hold on a sec, Ralph," he said, his voice tight with worry. "Did you do all the tests you were supposed to? Every single one?" Dr. Ralph's brow furrowed slightly. He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Yes, Sir Boris," he said, emphasizing the title a touch more than necessary. "I performed a full battery of tests on His Majesty, and everything came back looking good, perfectly healthy. However, if you have any concerns about the results, you're certainly welcome to
~ Hazel’s POV Relief washed over me. I had managed to convince everyone, even Rayel, that I was pregnant. It was a complete lie, but a necessary one. When I heard Dolph lost the battle and surrendered, I knew I had to act. Dolph was reckless and power-hungry. Losing the war he started made him even more unpredictable. The last thing I wanted was to be tied to a loser. If he knew I wasn't pregnant, he might try to take me away by force and the worst would happen. The secret meetings we had before the war would be exposed. Feigning pregnancy was a perfect way to keep him away and protect my reputation. News of a royal pregnancy would travel fast, and I knew it wouldn't be long before Dolph heard about it.Elated with my successful performance in front of Rayel, I left his chambers and headed back to my room. As I walked down the hallway, every maid and guard I passed offered their congratulations. Their smiles seemed genuine, filled with joy for the upcoming royal baby. I thanked them
~ Hazel’s POVRose listened intently as I explained what I needed help finding. When I finished, there was a thoughtful look on her face. "I think I might have some ideas on where to look. It might take a little digging, but I'm happy to help,” she said. Relief and happiness flooded me. I wasn’t sure if anyone would understand me, let alone be willing to help. "That's amazing, Rose! I knew I could count on you," I said with a genuine smile.Rose grinned back. "No problem at all, your Majesty. In fact, why don't I take a few days off to really focus on finding this thing?,” I considered it for a moment. "That's a great idea,” Rose's smile widened and with a wave and a confident nod, she headed out. As I watched her go, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It wasn't just about getting what I wanted, it was about having someone like Rose on my side. I knew that with Rose by my side, the search would be fun and successful, no matter the outcome.I decided to keep up my playful act an
~ Elara’s POVPanic surged through me as I lurched forward, a gasp escaping my lips. My stomach, swollen with my precious baby, felt like a water balloon that had just burst. A warm gush spread down my legs, and my eyes widened in realization. The baby was coming! The playful mood evaporated instantly, replaced by a primal urgency. I forgot all about the whisper, my focus laser-sharp on my child. "Rufus!" I roared, my voice laced with a mixture of fear and excitement. Thankfully, the clatter from the kitchen abruptly stopped, replaced by the sound of hurried footsteps. Rufus burst through the doorway, his face etched with concern. "What's wrong?" he exclaimed, rushing to my side. I pointed at your legs, the unmistakable wetness a clear sign. Relief washed over his features, replaced by a determined glint. "It's time!" he declared, his voice calm despite the urgency in his eyes. He quickly helped me sit down, his movements efficient and practiced. "Don't worry," he soothed, his
~ Rufus’s POVSweat beaded on my forehead as I stirred honey into a steaming mug of chamomile tea. Elara had been having strong pregnancy cravings lately, and I knew a soothing cuppa would be a welcome comfort. Just then, her voice cut through the air, laced with panic. "Rufus!" she called, her voice strained. I dropped everything and rushed out, heart pounding. Elara lay on the chair, her face contorted in pain. I knew she was in labor. I had known that day was coming and had even discussed birthing plans with Elara. But nothing could have prepared me for the raw intensity of the pain etched on her face. Every muscle in her body seemed to be straining, each contraction a wave threatening to drown her. Normally, childbirth was a beautiful, messy miracle I witnessed often. Yet, something felt…off. Elara had been in labor for hours, enduring agonizing pain, but there was no progress. The baby wasn't coming down the birth canal as it should. Concern gnawed at me. could there be a
~ Rufus’s POVStaring out the window, the gloomy sky felt like a giant, grey frown. It hit me then that it wasn't just bad weather. Somehow, it felt linked to Elara's labor. Like a weird message from the universe saying things were about to get...different. Panic jolted me awake, and I raced back inside, the pieces clicking into place. I saw Elara and her face was etched with pain, sweat beading on her forehead compared to how I left her earlier. It was clear she was still in the thick of it, struggling to bring the little one into the world.Elara's pulse hammered like a drum solo in my ears. Her voice, usually so strong, was barely a whisper. "Did you figure it out?" she rasped, worry etched on her face. I hurried to her side, squeezing her hand. "Hey, hey," I soothed, forcing a calm I didn't quite feel. "It's okay, we'll get through this together. Listen, I think I understand what's going on. Your labor...it's not exactly typical."Elara's eyes widened for a moment, surprise flick