Chapter 75
Breakfast was served in the grand dining hall, the morning sun bathing the room in a golden glow. King Rowan sat at the head of the table, exuding quiet authority even as he silently sipped his tea. Beside him was Queen Isabelle, her gaze sharp and assessing as it swept over everyone. I sat further down the table, flanked by Lucian, who seemed particularly pleased with himself, and Princess Blanca, who was shifting uncomfortably in her chair next to Prince Reagan. The rest of the royal family surrounded us, everyone engrossed in their own plate.
The air felt heavier than usual, the tension between certain members of the royal family impossible to ignore. Royal Concubine Elana, Lucian's mother, was seated gracefully near the end of the table, her enigmatic smile in place as if she were savouring a private joke. She had been happy about the wedding. She had been pleased with herself when she heard the news. As if it was a good thing to be happy about.
Lucian's booming voice shattered the awkward quiet. "I must say, this breakfast feels like a celebration," he declared, grinning. "With Arin as my wife, I know we're destined to strengthen the royal bloodline. I have no doubt we'll have many strong children."
I wanted to tell him not to get ahead of himself but I decided against it. I realised it would be better if I didn’t say anything at all.
I froze, my hand tightening around my fork. The statement felt like a slap in the face, especially when paired with Lucian's smug tone. Queen Isabelle's cup clinked loudly against her saucer as she placed it down, her expression icy.
"Perhaps," Isabelle said, her voice cool, "you should consider building a strong foundation in your marriage before making declarations about offspring. The kingdom requires more than boasts."
Lucian waved her off, his grin widening. "Oh, but it's true. Lady Arin and I are perfectly matched. And with time, we'll secure the future of this throne—something we all want, don't we?"
Rowan's golden eyes flicked toward Lucian, unreadable but piercing. "The throne is already secure," he said flatly. "Focus on your role as my brother and advisor, Lucian. That would be more productive than speculating about the future."
The room fell silent for a moment, but Lucian remained undeterred. "Still, it's exciting, isn't it? New alliances, new opportunities..." His words trailed off as Princess Blanca gasped, clutching her rounded belly.
"Blanca?" I said, turning to her as her face paled.
She winced, her voice strained. "I think—it's time."
The room erupted into motion. Prince Reagan rose from his seat, his composure cracking as concern filled his expression. "Get the midwives. Now!"
Blanca gripped my arm tightly as another contraction took hold. "I—please—"
"I'm here," I assured her, wrapping my arm around her. "I'll help you. What do you need me to do?”
Lucian made to follow, but Rowan shot him a look that froze him in place. "Stay here and make yourself useful for once," Rowan snapped before turning back to Blanca. "Take her to the birthing room, Arin. Make sure she's safe."
"Yes, Your Majesty," I said, already guiding Blanca out of the hall.
The birthing room was a whirlwind of activity. The midwives had already begun preparing the space, their movements efficient and purposeful. I helped Blanca onto the bed, holding her hand as she groaned in pain.
"You're doing great," I told her, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead.
"I'm scared," Blanca admitted, tears pooling in her eyes.
"I know," I said gently. "But you're strong, Blanca. You've got this."
Her grip on my hand tightened as another contraction rippled through her. "It hurts so much."
"I know it does," I said, my voice steady despite the chaos around us. "But it's almost over. Just keep breathing."
The midwives bustled around, giving instructions and preparing for the delivery. One of them glanced at me. "Stay with her, Lady Arin. She needs support."
I nodded, determined not to leave Blanca's side.
Hours passed, each one stretching longer than the last. Blanca's screams echoed through the room, her strength ebbing and flowing with each contraction. I stayed by her side, whispering encouragement and wiping her brow with a cool cloth.
Finally, the midwife's voice broke through the tension. "One more push, Your Highness. You can do it."
Blanca sobbed but gathered her strength for one last effort. The room filled with the sound of a baby's cry, and relief washed over me like a wave.
"It's a girl," the midwife announced, holding up the tiny, squirming newborn.
Blanca collapsed back against the pillows, tears streaming down her face. "A girl," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
"She's beautiful," I said, smiling as the midwife placed the baby in Blanca's arms.
Blanca gazed down at her daughter, a look of pure love on her face. "I can't believe she's here," she said softly.
"She's perfect," I said.
Blanca looked up at me, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you, Arin. I couldn't have done this without you."
"You don't have to thank me," I said, my voice warm. "I'm just glad you're both safe."
When I finally returned to the dining hall, Lucian was still there, lounging in his chair with an expression of mild boredom. His mother, Elana, watched me approach with a calculating look. Rowan and Isabelle were gone, likely tending to other matters.
"How is Blanca?" Lucian asked, his tone casual.
"She's fine," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "She had a girl."
Lucian leaned back in his chair, his lips curving into a small smile. "Another princess, then. How fitting. That’s good for us, it means we have a chance to give this family a Prince.”
I didn't respond, brushing past him to take a seat further down the table. My thoughts were still with Blanca and her baby. Watching her strength had been humbling, a reminder of what true resilience looked like.
Lucian's smug voice broke through my thoughts. "It seems like the day is full of surprises. A baby girl for the kingdom, and a future full of possibilities for all of us."
I said nothing, letting his words fade into the background as I stared out the window, my heart heavy with the weight of everything that had unfolded.
As I was walking away, I saw Rowan at the end of the hallway, beckoning towards me.
I looked around before walking towards him.
“Blanca is fine. She had a baby girl.”
“Oh really? That’s good news.”
“I have to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
I asked, concern etched over my features as I looked over at him.
“I’m sending Lucian to the borders. There’s trouble there and it seemed like the perfect excuse for him to leave you alone for a while.”
“What do you think?”
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