The Call to Lead

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. I stirred beside James, my head still resting against his chest. His steady breathing soothed me, the warmth of our shared moment lingering from the night before.

Beyond the sanctuary of our chambers, the kingdom was stirring. The duties we had momentarily set aside were waiting, creeping into the stillness of the room. I could feel the weight of them, just beyond the threshold.

I shifted slightly, feeling the ache of motherhood as my gaze drifted toward the small cradle near the window. Our newborn son slept soundly, swaddled in delicate cloth. His tiny chest rose and fell, the rhythm so peaceful it brought a soft smile to my lips. His serene expression made me believe he could already feel the depth of our love.

James stirred beside me. His arm tightened around my waist as I looked up, meeting his eyes. He smiled, sleep still clinging to his features, and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from my face.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice deep with warmth.
"Good morning," I whispered back, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.

For a few precious moments, we lingered in that quiet, uninterrupted by the world outside. But soon, my gaze returned to the cradle. James followed my line of sight, his expression softening as he looked at our son. Slowly, he sat up, pulling me with him. His hand rested lightly on my back.

"Have you thought of a name?"
"I have.”
"I want to hear what you have in mind first."

James leaned over, his fingers brushing the soft blanket that covered our baby. He was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed as though he were weighing the responsibility of naming our heir. Finally, he spoke, his voice almost reverent.

"Nicholas.”
"For strength.”
“For hope."


The name resonated with me immediately. It felt right, as though it had always belonged to him. A name that carried history, but more importantly, a promise of the future we had fought so hard to preserve. I could already see it: our son growing into a man, guided by love, bound by duty, and filled with kindness.


"Nicholas," I repeated softly.

I turned to James, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"It is perfect."

James smiled. He said the name again, more confidently this time as if speaking it aloud made it real. His gaze returned to our son, who continued to sleep, blissfully unaware of the world awaiting him.

"Our Nicholas.”

I leaned over and gently lifted Nicholas from the cradle. His tiny fingers curled around mine as I pressed a kiss to his forehead. He stirred slightly but did not wake, his peaceful expression unchanged.


"Hello, my sweet Nicholas.”
"You are everything we hoped for."

James moved closer, his arm wrapping around me as we gazed down at our son. In that moment, the world outside faded once more. It was just the three of us. No court, no crown, just a family bound by love and the hope we would carry into the future.

"We will protect him.”
"No matter what comes."


A few minutes later we were summoned to the council chamber. The council chamber loomed before us. It’s heavy wooden doors are guarded by two sentinels. The tension in the air had shifted since we left our chambers. Standing beside James, I could feel the tension in his grip as our fingers intertwined. The hurried footsteps and murmured conversations echoing in the palace halls only heightened the unease in my chest.

James exhaled softly, his expression controlled, though I knew him well enough to sense his apprehension. He glanced at me, the question in his eyes unspoken but clear. Why had the council summoned us with such urgency?

With a nod from James, the guards pulled open the doors, and we stepped into the council chamber. The room was dimly lit, the flickering light from tall candles casting shadows across the stern faces of the council members. There was a weight in the air that hadn’t been there before, something unspoken but heavy. I tightened my grip on James’s hand as we approached the center of the room.

Orwin, the head of the council, rose to greet us. His gray hair and lined face were familiar, but today his expression carried an unusual gravity. He folded his hands in front of him, his eyes shifting between us as he began to speak.


"Your Highnesses," he said, his voice measured.
"Thank you for coming so swiftly."
"What news do you have for us?"

The council members exchanged glances and a knot formed in my stomach. Whatever this was, it was significant. Orwin stepped forward.




"There have been developments.”
“The people have spoken."

He paused, carefully choosing his next words.

"The unrest in the kingdom has grown since Alec’s death.”
“The people are calling for stability, for leadership.”
“They are calling for you."


The weight of his words settled over me like a shroud. I glanced at James, whose expression had shifted subtly, but the question in his eyes was the same as mine.


"You mean...”
"Yes.”
"The people have called for you both to be crowned King and Queen of the realm.”
“They wish for it to happen soon.”
“Sooner than we had anticipated."


Shock rippled through me. We had always known this day would come, but not like this. Not now, when the kingdom was fragile, and we had just welcomed Nicholas into the world. James remained silent. His jaw was tight as he processed the council's words. I could see the conflict in his eyes. The desire to shield our family from the storm brewing outside these walls and the undeniable pull of duty.


"The people believe that with clear and united leadership, we stand a chance against the threats that loom over us.”
"They need you both to lead, to offer hope.”
“The council agrees it is time."

James finally spoke, his voice steady but laced with the weight of the decision before us.

"We had hoped for more time," he said, glancing at the council members.
"We understand the gravity of the situation."


His hand tightened around mine.

"If the people call for us, we will answer."


Orwin nodded.

"Preparations will begin immediately.”
“The coronation will be held within the week."


A wave of finality washed over the room. I looked up at James, feeling the enormity of what lay ahead. He met my gaze, his grip on my hand offering silent reassurance. Together, we would take the crown. Not for power, but for the people. For Nicholas. For the future of the kingdom.

We left the council chambers. The weight of our new path settled over me. The crown awaited us, but so did the uncertainty of the days to come. I took a deep breath, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them side by side. We had no choice. The kingdom needed us. We would not falter.