"The carriage awaits Bella, you do not have time to spare," Tina informs me.
"Tina, I need a moment," I manage to say, my thoughts swirling with the weight of the doctor's revelation.
As the urgency of the impending departure lingers, I realize the news is not something I can spring on Nikolai in haste. There's a heaviness to the situation that requires careful consideration. I silently acknowledge the necessity of waiting, even as the carriage waits impatiently, knowing that the gravity of the news demands the right time and setting for discussion.
-
The tension between us in the carriage was palpable, an unspoken weight hanging in the air. I couldn't bring myself to meet Nikolai's eyes, the inexplicable unease gnawing at my insides, rendering me speechless.
"Bell? Are you okay?" His concern sliced through my turmoil, his words a lifeline in the midst of my internal chaos. "Cam told me what happened, and you still do not look well. We can head home. I'm sure your parents would understand."
His awareness of the situation caught me off guard. Did the doctor divulge everything to him as well?
Attempting to tread carefully, I shook my head, still avoiding his gaze. "Did the doctor tell you..." My voice trailed off, a faint hope that he might not be aware of the details.
"Tell me what? What was wrong, no. What was wrong?" His concern was evident, seeking answers I wasn't ready to provide.
I stumbled, realizing my mistake. "Oh, nothing," I lied, forcing a smile to hide my unease. "He said it was just due to stress, you know."
He smiles and carefully cups my chin, stroking my cheek and firing me to look at him. Relief washes over me as he accepts my false explanation. His gentle touch on my chin, guiding my gaze to meet his, sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of comfort and apprehension intertwining within me.
"We have arrived your Majesties," The loud male voice interrupts our quiet moment, announcing our arrival. The carriage door swings open, unleashing a rush of warm air that instantly envelops us. The familiar embrace of Raeywell's sunshine feels like a long-lost friend, welcoming me back home.
Nikolai steps out, extending his hand, silently urging me to follow suit. His hand waits for mine, a gesture of support and reassurance in the midst of my unease. After a moment's hesitation, I accept his hand, allowing his touch to guide me out of the carriage and into the comforting warmth of my old kingdom.
"My daughter!" Mother's voice rings out, pulling my attention as she rushes toward me, enveloping me in a tight hug. Instinctively, I return the embrace, finding solace in her familiar presence.
Simultaneously, another voice, my father's, greets Nikolai. He exchanges pleasantries with politeness, discussing the pace of the palace.
As my mother's hug lingers, I finally release her, turning to face my father with a smile that wavers, unable to contain my unease. Reluctantly, I offer a hug to him as well. Meanwhile, Nikolai becomes the recipient of my mother's affection, engaging in small talk with her as she bombards him with her love.
"I am so sorry to hear about your parents, truly heartbreaking. We loved them as well," my mother's words shift the mood, stirring up the memories of Nikolai's parents. Their absence lingers heavily in the air, a silent ache in both our hearts.
Nikolai, his demeanor unwavering despite the poignant reminder, remains composed. He graciously thanks her for the condolences, maintaining a strong facade.
"Shall we head inside? Dinner is almost ready," my father announces, prompting our collective agreement.
With a shared nod, we move toward the castle, eager to seek solace within its familiar walls and anticipating the comfort of a shared meal.
-
"War is a big deal, you know this, yes?" My mother's words carry a weighty reminder, prompting simultaneous nods from both Nikolai and me.
Her concern is evident, etched across her face, but she quickly redirects her attention back to the dinner table, brushing off the heavy topic as we resume our meal.
"Arabella, with this war coming, you will need an heir, in case something bad were to happen," My father broached the topic, his words laced with a weight that drew a visible reaction from my mother and Nik.
My mother's swift reaction manifested as she hit my father, a silent reprimand for the implication that Nikolai could meet an unfortunate fate in the war.
"What, Anastasia? I'm just saying!" He tries to justify.
"So, have you two—"
"Eden! I swear to god, your table manners are atrocious. You do not ask such things!" My mother's reprimand finally snapped through the tension, shrouding the table in an uncomfortable silence, drawing my attention back to the doctor's revelation.
With child.
Nikolai, attempting to ease the awkwardness, interjected, "Umm, I can assure you, sir, there will be an heir in due time," his attempt to deescalate the situation evident in his awkward response.
I cannot do this.
Rising abruptly from the table, I swiftly make my way out of the building, the calls of my name fading as I stride purposefully forward. Each step carries me further away from the confines of the castle, a silent determination propelling my movements as I walk.
I finally make it outside, the fresh, warm night air offering a momentary respite from the tension indoors. However, my brief solitude is interrupted by the persistent calling of my name. Determined to leave, I head towards the carriage, intent on departing immediately.
"Bell, love, we cannot leave, it is too late," Nikolai reasons, trying to dissuade me.
"I do not care. We are leaving this very instant. I do not care what time it is," I retort firmly, acknowledging his voice as I refuse to yield.
"Don't—"
"Please?" I manage, my voice barely above a murmur, tears threatening to spill over. His concern is evident, and reluctantly, he agrees.
After bidding farewell to my parents, Nikolai joins me in the carriage, his eyes still filled with concern. "What is the matter?" he inquires, his worry palpable.
Ignoring his question, I remain silent, lost in my thoughts and emotions.
"Bell, what is wrong?" he presses, this time with a firmer tone, seeking answers.
I cannot let this eat me alive any longer.
I must tell him.
"I am with child," I whisper.
His eyes widen in disbelief, and with a sudden gesture, he rips off his mask. "You are sure?" he questions, seeking confirmation. I nod silently, feeling the weight of the moment, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me once more.
Nikolai grasps my hand firmly in his, pressing a soft kiss upon it. "This is amazing," he utters, his smile widening as a surge of joy courses through him.
"We must inform eveyone! They will be delighted"
How can he be so happy about this?
"No, I do not wish to tell anyone until after this war passes," I assert firmly, my voice resolute as I express my decision.
"That is not possible. We do not know how long this will go for. You could begin to show, people will be questioning," comes the counterargument, pressing against my resolve.
"Then let them! I refuse to let this news out, and that is final," I reaffirm, my determination unwavering despite the pushback.
The rest of the ride home is awfully silent.
No turning back now.
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thanks for reading :)
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Tied to the Throne
Romance"It felt as if my parents had tied me to the throne. Tied me to him." - A story of a princess forced to marry a prince. Both of them hate one another, so they think. However, they end up getting a little closer than expected. A love blooming amidst...
