The Hidden Princess: Kingdom's Fate (book three)

Chapter Eighteen: Aren't You A Dashing Young Baby

"I have some visitors," Erik said, walking into the chambers that he and Chloe were being housed in.

"No! What don't you understand about rest? They have had enough visitors for today, tell them to come back tomorrow," Isabella's voice called from inside the room.

"She hasn't changed," I grinned up at Nikolai.

Nikolai laughed, shaking his head. "Did you think she would?" he asked.

"One can always hope," I teased, before releasing his hand and sliding through the door. My heart melted as my eyes landed on Erik holding a tiny little bundle in his arms. "Even if those visitors have traveled the sea to come home?" I asked. Making Isabella and Chloe gasp. The tears were streaming down both Chloe and I's faces before we even reached each other.

"Your home!" Chloe cried, throwing her arms around me.

I simply nodded holding her close for a moment. After a deep breath, I released my sister. "We finished what we could. Plus, I promised Nikolai I'd be his date at some wedding coming up," I said, smiling over at him. He was now standing beside Isabella, a grin covering her face. "Enough about me! I came here to see you and my baby," I said, taking Chloe's hand and walking over to Erik. "Oh, Chloe! He's adorable," I said, peering down at the little one whose dark eyes stared back at me.

Erik chuckled. "Your baby? I'm pretty sure this little one belongs to Chloe and I. You and Nikolai can have your own soon enough," he smirked, a blush crossing my face.

"Erik! Be nice," Chloe scolded, but the smile on her face did not match. "Do you want to hold him?" she asked me. I quickly nodded and took Elias from Erik. "Hello my little warrior. I hear that you have already come into this world as a fighter. I promise to help you learn," I said, cooing at him.

"See! Your future wife isn't afraid to hold the baby! You need practice!" Isabella said. Turning, I raised an eyebrow. "Nikolai has talked to Elias and held his little finger, but has declined holding him," she explained.

"Nikolai, come here," I said. He stayed where he was shaking his head. "Now," I commanded. He sighed, walking over. "Sit," I said, nodding to the couch. He did so and I took a seat beside him.

"We have to work on your ability to say no," Erik said, laughing as Chloe whacked his shoulder.

I ignored the comment and turned to Nikolai. I explained to him how to hold a baby. "Now, all you have to do is keep your hands like that. I'm gonna place Elias into them," I said. Then I slowly transferred Elias from my arms to Nikolai's. "See, it's not that hard," I said, watching Nikolai stiffen up at first. He then quietly started talking to the little boy and loosened up. My heart melted again as I watched him talk to Elias.

"Can we come in now?" Sparrow whispered from the door.

Chloe quickly crossed the floor and pulled Sparrow into her arms. "Of course!" she said, smiling at the rest. "It's so good to see you all home safe," she said, keeping her arms around Sparrow. "Come, meet our newest little family member," she said, guiding Sparrow over to the couch. She took a seat on the opposite side of Nikolai.

"Where's Nate and Emree?" I asked, noting they were the only two not in the room.

"They've gone to sound the alarm. I'm sure within the hour the courtyard will be filled with people waiting to welcome you home," Alakay grinned, walking over and standing behind the couch peering over Nikolai's shoulder. "Well aren't you a dashing young baby. I'm glad you got your mother's looks or I couldn't say that," he teased, grinning up at Erik and Chloe.

"Watch it, now that your home you're back under my command," Erik joked with a grin.

Alakay smirked. "Yes, but you're too busy with your little man here to do anything about it," he said causing Erik to shake his head.