"...I name you Reginald Blake, the third Prince of Eldoria, born of courage, light, and love."
The room fell utterly silent.
Even Alaric's chest tightened, pride tugged at him. Daphne's eyes shimmered with tears, though she didn't let them fall.
"Nathaniel Reginald Blake," she whispered, repeating it as though committing it to her soul.
Arin smiled. "He will carry both your names and mine as a reminder that he belongs not only to the Empire, but to the bond we forged long before crowns and thrones."
Daphne bowed her head slightly, overwhelmed. "Thank you… Your Majesty."
"No. Not today, Daphne. Just Arin." he whispered his name for only them to hear.
Alaric's hand slid behind her, grounding her as Arin placed the baby back in her arms.
Her father cleared his throat, emotion thick in his voice. "A name worthy of the life he'll live,"
The Duchess wiped her eyes. "And of the love that brought him into this world."
