The room glowed with warmth and peace. Outside, the moon watched silently through the glass window, draping the nursery in silver light. Inside, soft breaths filled the space as Evelyn curled protectively around Elara. Adrian lay beside them, propped on one elbow, gazing at the two most important souls in his world.Elara let out a sleepy sigh, her chubby fingers still loosely gripping Evelyn’s nightgown. Adrian leaned forward, placing the gentlest kiss on his daughter’s forehead.“Goodnight, little star " he whispered.Then another kiss this time to Evelyn’s temple. She didn’t stir, but a faint smile played on her lips, as though she felt the affection even in slumber.Adrian laid down and pulled them both closer, finally allowing sleep to claim him under the soft weight of love, forgiveness, and the echo of Elara’s first word.The following morning, the kingdom awoke to celebration.The capital buzzed with excitement. Streamers and flowers of blue and gold lined the cobblestone stre

Knock. Knock.It was too early. The sun had barely stretched its golden limbs across the horizon. Birds hadn’t even started chirping, and the castle was still cloaked in gentle silence.Adrian sat up instantly, his muscles tensed. Evelyn stirred beside him, her brows furrowed. “Who would knock at this time?” she whispered, clutching the blanket tighter around her.“I’ll check " Adrian said quietly, reaching for the dagger by the bedside out of instinct. He moved silently toward the door while Evelyn stayed back, holding baby Elara against her chest protectively.Knock. Knock.Louder this time. Bolder.Adrian opened the door a sliver, just enough to see and was immediately met with a wild shove as the door flung open.“KNEEL, PEASANTS!” came a booming, playful voice.“AHH!” Evelyn screamed, jumping back.Then laughter filled the corridor.“Just kidding! Did I scare you?” Leona stood there, arms wide, a mischievous grin stretched across her face. Her cloak was dusty from travel, her hai

Adrian walked into their chamber just after the midday sun began to fade behind the tall windows of the royal wing. Evelyn sat by the hearth, combing Elara’s curls softly, humming under her breath. The child giggled, reaching for her mother’s fingers, unaware of the storm brewing in the room.Evelyn didn’t look up when she asked, “So… how did it go?”Adrian paused mid-step, cautious. “It went fine. Leona left just a while ago"Her hand froze on Elara’s head. “Just fine?” Her tone wasn’t angry it was quiet, measured, too quiet.Adrian forced a smile and walked closer. “Yes. We spoke. She apologized for the past. Nothing else"Evelyn lifted her gaze slowly, eyes locking onto his with a sharpness that made his chest tighten. “Adrian… you two were gone for almost an hour. That’s not a simple apology"He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure whether to sit or keep standing. “She… she brought up some old things, that’s all"“What things?” Evelyn set Elara down gently, the girl toddling off to

The palace buzzed with joy.Banners in soft gold and pink waved gently in the summer breeze. Flowers handpicked by the maids and blessed by the temple children lined the garden paths. Long tables were set up with cakes, fruit, tiny pies shaped like animals, and rows of juice cups just low enough for little hands to grab.Elara was turning two.Adrian had started the preparations a whole week earlier. “Nothing too grand " Evelyn had warned, rubbing her growing belly. “It’s her birthday, not a royal coronation"But of course, Adrian didn’t listen.“She's our daughter " he’d grinned, scribbling notes on parchment. “She deserves a memory"Now, the palace garden was glowing with joy.Elara, in a soft cream dress and a crown of daisies, ran barefoot on the grass, giggling as she chased a butterfly.“Catch it, Elara!” Adrian called out, laughing, crouching to cheer her on. “You almost had it oh, look! It’s behind you!”Evelyn watched them both from a shaded seat, a soft smile on her lips as

The morning sun peeked through the grand curtains of the royal chambers, casting golden streaks across the stone floor. Adrian stirred awake slowly, his back feeling slightly sore but better than the day before. His eyes opened to find Evelyn seated beside him, carefully wrapping fresh herbs over the scarred flesh. She looked tired, her face pale from sleepless nights, but she still smiled when she noticed his eyes on her."You’re awake " she said softly, tying the last knot on the bandage."Yes " he groaned slightly, flexing his shoulders. "And somehow, I feel whole again"She smiled wider. "That’s because you are"Adrian reached out and cupped her face gently. "You stayed. Even when I pushed you away in my sleep. You stayed and… healed what even time could not"Evelyn blushed and rolled her eyes, though her cheeks glowed. "Don’t start getting poetic this early, my King""I’ll always start with you " he whispered, pulling her into a hug.After dressing and having breakfast together w