Chapter 509 Family Bedtime: All Together in One Bed
Ian looked troubled, but seeing Ethan's resolve, he could only acquiesce. "As you wish, Your Highness."
"Andy, Nate, don't run off," Ethan called to the boys. "Hold my hands as we walk to Azure Palace."
"Yes, Daddy," they replied obediently.
The children looked at him with concern. "Daddy, are you sure you don't need to see a doctor about your headaches?"
"Don't worry, I'm fine now that I've taken my medication," Ethan assured them.
"But..."
Before they could protest further, Ethan diverted their attention. "Weren't you eager to see your mommy? Let's not keep her waiting."
"We're coming, Daddy!" they exclaimed.
With a child holding each hand, Ethan walked toward Azure Palace. Golden sunlight illuminated their path, transforming the scene into a picture of familial warmth against the backdrop of the palace's splendor.
Ian watched them from behind, unable to suppress a sigh.
This marked the first time Ethan had brought children to Azure Palace from outside the royal household. Within hours, rumors about "Prince Totti's secret children" would spread like wildfire throughout the palace and beyond.
At Azure Palace, Ashley had nearly recovered from her injuries and was taking a leisurely stroll through the garden when she a familiar voice calling out, "Mommy!"
Ashley thought she must be imagining things and touched her ear skeptically, only to hear, "Mommy, we missed you so much!"
Ashley turned around in astonishment to find Andy and Nate rushing toward her like exuberant puppies, wrapping themselves around her legs with uncontained joy.
Her surprise quickly melted into delight. "Andy! Nate! It really is you! I thought I was hallucinating!"
Having missed them terribly, she crouched down and embraced them, kissing each boy on the cheek.
"Wait—Nate, why do you have a bump on your head?" she asked with concern. "And how did you two get to the palace?"
From a distance, Ethan watched the reunion, his lips curving into an affectionate smile.
"Mommy, Daddy brought us here," Andy explained.
"Daddy said we're going to live with you in the palace now," Nate added.
Daddy?
Ashley followed their pointing fingers to see Ethan standing nearby, watching them with tender eyes. Her heart began to race uncontrollably, and she was unaware of how lovingly she gazed back at him.
As their eyes met, powerful emotions passed between them in that silent exchange.
After what felt like an eternity, the boys cleared their throats awkwardly, breaking the spell.
Ashley flushed with embarrassment. "You shouldn't call him that..."
"They're just children," Ethan interjected gently. "If it makes them happy, that's all that matters."
"Doesn't it bother you to be mistakenly called 'Daddy'?" Ashley asked, her cheeks still burning.
"Why would it? They're such sweet children—I consider it an honor," Ethan replied warmly.
Ashley turned away, too flustered to meet his gaze.
"Pearl, the wind is picking up. Let's go inside," Ethan suggested. "I'll explain about Nate's injury."
"Alright," she agreed softly.
The four of them entered the residence together. Nate immediately began exploring Azure Palace with boundless curiosity, while Andy followed closely behind, making sure his brother didn't touch anything he shouldn't.
Ethan and Ashley sat side by side on the sofa, maintaining a careful five inches of space between them, yet the air around them crackled with unspoken tension.
"Your Highness, what happened to Nate?" Ashley asked with concern.
"It's quite serious," Ethan began, recounting the kidnapping. Ashley's face paled as she listened.
"Marc actually kidnapped Nate? That's horrifying—how could he target an innocent child?" she exclaimed.
Ethan's expression darkened. "Marc hasn't been captured yet. Knowing him, he won't give up easily. Until he's apprehended, I believe Andy and Nate should stay here in the palace where they'll be safe."
Ashley considered this for a moment. "Very well. Thank you for your protection, Your Highness."
Ethan gazed deeply into her eyes, his voice dropping to a husky timbre. "Having you here could never be a burden."
His fingers twitched slightly—for a brief moment, it seemed he might reach for her hand while looking at her with undisguised affection.
But his hand froze midway, as if remembering something, and he withdrew it.
Ashley, who had noticed his movement, felt her breath catch when she thought he might take her hand. When he pulled back, she felt both relief and an unmistakable pang of disappointment.
Neither spoke, allowing a charged silence to envelop them.
As they watched the children playing energetically nearby, their faces softened with similar expressions of contentment.
"Mommy, I'm hungry!" Nate suddenly announced.
Ashley snapped back to reality. "I'll make you something delicious."
As she stood, Ethan gently caught her arm. "Pearl, your injuries..."
"I'm much better now, don't worry," she assured him. "Could you watch the children while I prepare dinner?"
"Of course," he agreed.
Ethan watched Ashley disappear into the kitchen, struck by how naturally they had fallen into roles that resembled those of a married couple sharing the simple joys of family life.
Meanwhile, Andy and Nate exchanged knowing glances. Nate raised his eyebrows mischievously and turned to Ethan. "Daddy, I have a request. Would you help us with something?"
"What is it?" Ethan asked.
"We've never had the chance to sleep together with both our mommy and daddy," Nate said hopefully. "Tonight, could the four of us share one bed?"
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