In love with royalty 👑

Forty one

The day had finally come for Stephen to leave for Rome. The previous day had been something else. As the court ladies brought down his bags, Elena had started crying. Lisbeth followed and soon enough, king Desmond followed. Stephen tried to console them and ended up crying more.

Lisbeth had scolded them and made them promise not to make Stephen cry any longer. She made lunch and dinner herself and everyone ate happily.

Now, Stephen was standing in front of his carriage hugging his weeping mom and sister. "Mom, I'd be back soon. Three years will pass soon enough."

"Please take good care of yourself, we'll come visit you okay?" Lisbeth said holding his hands.

He nodded. "Yes mama. Now please don't cry, you're too beautiful for that."

Lisbeth nodded and stepped back, allowing Stephen to hug Elena tighter.

"Don't even think of getting married within this 3 years. I want to be here when you're crowned crown princess." Stephen said.

"I promise. I love you Stevie. I love you so much. Please be well." Elena wiped her tears and stepped away.

Stephen nodded and smiled at his family. "I love you. So much, I'll miss you guys." He hugged them together and cleaned his tears.

"I love you Stephen." Desmond said patting his back. "You have to go now, I don't want you to leave late."

Stephen nodded and climbed into the carriage. "Let's go." He said to the carriage driver and once the carriage had started moving he turned to his family once more. "I'll make you proud!" He shouted as he waved. "I love you."

***

"Stephen!" Lisbeth called. She was standing at the foot of the stairs with her two hands on her waist and her face squeezed. The court ladies that were passing around there, gave her weird looks but were too scared to approach her. How were they supposed to tell the queen that Stephen wasn't in the house?

"Mom, Stephen traveled." Elena called as she ran down the stairs. She grabbed the queen's hands as she approached her. "Did you forget again?"

"Oh I'm so sorry. I forgot again. Get your dad, it's dinner time."

"Mom, please you can't keep forgetting, the court ladies have started to rumor that the queen isn't in good health." Tears brimmed in Elena's eyes. "I miss him as much as you do, we all do but please we don't have to give the court a reason to demand a new queen."

"Nonsense. They don't have any right to do that. I'll be fine Lena, get your Dad."

Elena stared at her mom's back for some time before going off to find her dad. She soon caught up with him outside court where he was dismissing his ministers. She waited patiently until he was done.

"There's my favorite princess." Desmond announced as he kissed her forehead.

"Hi dad. Mom said it's time for dinner." She helped him remove his coat.

"Right, it's dinner time. Did she cook herself?" Elena nodded. Desmond broke out smiling. "I can't wait then. Have you called your brother? I'm sure he's had a busy day."

Elena tensed beside her father and stopped walking. "Not you too. Dad!"

"Oh goodness I forgot. No no Elena, don't give me that look, I merely forgot."

"I understand father but, please. People will think we're crazy." Elena pleaded.

Desmond nodded, smiling. "Alright alright. We're fine. I promise."

"Better." Elena replied and held her father's hand as they walked towards the dining room.

**

"No. At least not yet. But he's been receiving medical attention. He's much better. He still whisper's Stephen's name sometimes."

Elena cuddled into Jayden's side and held his hand. "He'll be fine Jayden, I promise."

He kissed her briefly. "I know. What did you eat today?" He smacked his lips and ran his tongue over her full lips.

"Just a sandwich. I haven't had a healthy appetite lately. I threw up this morning too." Jayden nodded in response and cupped her breasts. "Hey!"

"What?" He asked eyes still on her chest. "I'm just checking if you're you know..."

Elena scowled. "What?" She asked pulling away from him. "You must be joking. You can't... you can't be serious. I can't be pregnant!"

"Why not?" The prince shrugged and pulled her closer.

"I can't be pregnant. My mom will kill me! It's a shame you know. To give birth before you walk down the aisle! As a princess I mean." Elena explained, flailing her arms as she did.

"Hey it's okay. We don't know that yet." He kissed her forehead and rested his head on the pillow. After some minutes, he jerked up again.

"What's the problem?" Elena asked worriedly.

"Do you think it's a girl?" Jayden asked.

Elena reached for the closest pillow and smacked his head.

"What! I'm just asking. Ouch!!!"

Thanks to @sunflower08100448453❤️