Luca entered the grand chamber, the soft creak of the old door echoing through the quiet hall. King Thalor Therald sat by the window, sunlight falling across his silver hair, his gaze distant and heavy with years of memories.
With a bright smile, Luca stepped forward, his arms cradling something small and precious.
"Father… look who I brought," he said softly, his voice trembling with restrained excitement.
King Thalor turned his head slowly. "Who is it?"
Luca's smile widened as he moved closer, gently revealing the sleeping infant wrapped in white silk. "It's your grandson."
The old king froze. His hand trembled as he reached out, hesitant, almost afraid that the moment was just another illusion. But when his fingers brushed the baby's warm cheek, his eyes filled with tears. He gathered the child carefully into his arms, holding him as though he were made of light itself.
"My grandson…" he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
The baby stirred, letting out a soft murmur that broke into a tiny cry. King Thalor's lips quivered into a smile as he gently rocked him, tears slipping down his weathered face. "He looks just like his father… just like Eyan when he was this small."
His gaze drifted toward the far wall, where a grand portrait hung — the serene face of Queen Seris Valenne.
King Thalor looked up at it, his voice breaking in reverence.
"Seris… look," he whispered, clutching the child closer. "It's our Eyan's son."
The chamber, once heavy with silence, now carried the soft echo of a baby's cry — the cry of a new heir, a new beginning.
-----
(After three hours—)
The door creaked open as the royal physician stepped out. Eyan, who had been pacing outside the entire time, rushed forward, his voice trembling with urgency.
"What happened? Is she all right?"
The physician gave a tired but reassuring smile. "Your Majesty, the Queen is out of danger now. She's resting — the delivery took much of her strength, but she will recover."
Eyan exhaled deeply, the weight on his chest finally easing. His hands, which had been clenched tight, loosened at last. "Thank the heavens…" he murmured under his breath.
The physician and his assistants bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, we shall take our leave now to prepare the restorative tonics."
Eyan nodded silently and pushed open the door.
Inside, the room was dimly lit by the soft glow of oil lamps. The scent of lavender filled the air. Eva lay upon the bed, her skin pale but peaceful, her breathing soft and steady.
Eyan walked to her side and slowly sat down. His hand trembled as he reached for hers — still warm, still alive. He brought it to his forehead, closing his eyes as tears welled up.
"You scared me to death," he whispered, voice breaking. "I thought I lost you, Eva…"
His thumb brushed across her knuckles, his breath unsteady. He leaned closer, his words a quiet plea meant only for her.
"Now hurry up and open your eyes… I'm right here."
---
Luca was returning from King Thalor's chambers, a faint smile lingering on his face after showing the newborn prince to his father. The echo of hurried footsteps stopped him midway down the corridor.
"Master Luca! Stop right there!"
He turned, slightly startled, to find Lady Aranel marching toward him, her gown rustling with every step.
Luca tilted his head. "What now?"
Aranel crossed her arms, eyes gleaming. "I want to hold my nephew too."
Luca arched a brow, feigning surprise. "Oh? Lady Aranel likes children?"
"Of course I do," she said proudly.
Luca chuckled, rocking the baby gently in his arms. "Then go and get yourself your own. This one's mine."
Aranel's jaw dropped. "Master Luca! He's my nephew too — let me hold him!"
Luca laughed, already stepping back. "No."
Aranel chased after him. "Master Luca, please—"
"I told you no!" he said, dodging her grasp, his laughter echoing down the hall.
"Luca!"
The sharp tone froze him in place. He turned stiffly — Eyan was standing at the end of the hall, arms crossed.
Eyan's voice was calm but firm. "Give Lady Aranel the baby."
Luca sulked, sighing heavily. "Fine…"
He handed the baby over with exaggerated reluctance. Aranel smiled victoriously, carefully taking the child into her arms.
Eyan shook his head. "You're a grown man, Luca, yet you behave like a child."
Luca pouted. "I was just—protecting him."
Aranel smiled softly, rocking the baby in her arms. "Your Majesty, how is Her Grace? Is she all right?"
Eyan's expression softened. "She's fine now. Resting."
Aranel nodded, then gently extended the child back toward him. "Your Majesty, take him to Eva. She'll want to see her son the moment she wakes."
Eyan's lips curved faintly. "All right."
He accepted the baby, holding him close before turning to leave.
As soon as his footsteps faded, Luca crossed his arms with a smug look. "You got lucky Eyan came in. If he hadn't, I wouldn't have let you touch him."
Aranel glared at him. "Master Luca… do you have anything against me?"
Luca shrugged. "I don't know why, but every time I see you, I just feel like teasing you."
Aranel took a slow step closer, eyes narrowing. "Master Luca… are you in love with me?"
Luca blinked, flustered. "What—no! Why would I fall in love with someone like you?"
Her voice dropped dangerously low. "What do you mean, someone like me?"
Luca smirked. "You are ugly...Have you ever looked at yourself? Your eyes, your nose, your lips — nothing about your face is—"
Before he could finish, Aranel grabbed his collar and kissed him.
Luca's eyes widened, frozen in shock as her lips pressed against his. The world stilled — only the warmth of her mouth and the faint scent of roses filled the air.
When Aranel finally pulled back, her cheeks flushed and breath quickened. "How do you feel now… being kissed by an 'ugly' woman like me?"
For a moment, Luca just stared — then his hands shot out, pulling her against him.
Without a word, he kissed her back —Their lips met again, not in anger this time, but in something deeper — something neither of them could name.
---
(Eva's Chamber—)
Eyan quietly pushed open the door, the faint creak echoing in the stillness of the room. In his arms, the newborn baby stirred softly, wrapped in fine silken cloth, his tiny breaths steady against Eyan's chest.
When Eyan's eyes lifted, he froze — Eva was awake.
"Eva…" His voice broke with disbelief and relief as he hurried to her bedside. "You're awake—are you all right?"
She looked up at him, weak but smiling, her eyes filled with quiet warmth. "Eyan… I want to see our baby."
Eyan's throat tightened. With trembling hands, he sat beside her and gently laid the baby down next to her pillow.
Eva turned her head slowly, her gaze softening the instant she saw the tiny face. Her fingers brushed against the baby's smooth cheek, and tears spilled down her face as she whispered, voice trembling, "My Leo…"
Eyan watched her, his heart full, his own eyes glistening as he smiled faintly. He leaned closer, his hand brushing back her hair with infinite tenderness.
Eva smiled through her tears, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's really here… our Leo."
Eyan bent forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead, his lips trembling. "Yes… he's here."
The baby stirred, letting out a soft sound. His small hand lifted, reaching into the air — until his tiny fingers wrapped around Eyan's finger.
Then his other hand stretched toward Eva, clutching her fingertip with surprising strength.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Eyan and Eva simply stared — their hands joined by their son's small grip — tears glimmering in both their eyes, smiles trembling on their lips.
Their family… finally complete.
---