Royalty Overnight

15: Turning Point

"Nakita, stop with this topic. There's nothing to be concerned about."

"Of course there is. Can't you see the way she's looking at you? Clearly, the feelings are not mutual!"

They have been arguing for what seems like hours.

Nakita, over the months, has been getting irritated with Vanessa regularly visiting without invitation. She disliked Maalik not being opposed to it, since he knew her in their younger years and they were catching up with the old times.

She knew she couldn't stop him from making acquaintances, but there was something wrong with Vanessa. She could feel it.

"Nakita, do not make me angry. I keep telling you time and time again. Nothing. Is. Happening. So just drop it. Don't let me repeat myself here."

His voice was low, yet edged with palpable irritation. It seemed to rub her the wrong way, her anger started fading under a flash of desire. It must be the pregnancy, she had heard it messes up someone's hormones.

And with that, Maalik turned to leave the room.

"But I'm not done talking–"

The door slammed on his way out.

Being 8 months pregnant wasn't helping her whenever she was having an argument with her husband; it always ended with her being aroused by Maalik's annoyance with her.

The next day, Nakita woke up alone in bed, it was early in the morning. It seemed like he was in an important meeting. He usually stayed in bed with her if he had nothing important to attend in the morning.

Nakita decided to go outside for fresh air, and walking in the garden was a good idea.

She headed outside in the garden only to find him speaking to her.

Vanessa.

What was she doing in their home at this hour of the day? That woman was sitting on the swing that Maalik made for Nakita.

Before she could get her emotions in check, she walked straight up to them. "Maalik."

They both turn to watch the grand duchess near them.

"Nakita, what is it?" He had a tired expression, already knowing what she wanted to say.

"We have to talk."

Once they were alone, she began to speak her mind. "Maalik, what is she doing here? Why is she here early in the morning? I thought you went to a meeting and that is why you weren't in bed."

"Apparently her and Mr. Relish, her father, had an argument, and Vanessa chose to leave as a rebellion against him."

Nakita gave him a blank stare.

"I know it sounds utterly absurd, and I will admit that it is. She will be staying for about a week."

"B-but..."

"Nakita, please let it be for now. One week will be over before you know, I promise."

"She's not the best person to keep as a company."

"Just give her a chance, Nakita."

Nakita parted her lips to speak further on this issue, but Ian came rushing with an important issue at hand.

"Nothing will happen. So please, don't stress yourself." He kissed her on the cheek before leaving for his study with Ian.

Nakita wanted to believe him, she really did.

A month flew by and the big day finally arrived, and Maalik was in full on panic-mode. As a nurse dressed Nakita and helped her onto the bed, she watched Maalik walking around the room, shimmering with cold sweat.

"Are you sure we have everything? Maybe we should have gone to the hospital instead. What if you bleed severely, putting you and the baby in danger? And what are we supposed to do when--"

"Maalik!" she called out, trying to bring him out of his insignificantly small, imaginative world. He quickly rushed to her side.

"What is it? Do you need water? Or maybe you are in pain, but you need not to worry, you will be fine-"

"Maalik, I need you to breathe," she said, trying to calm him down, but he looked back at her puzzled.

"Me? Is it not your job? I should get you some ice chips--" she immediately zoned out, he used to think rationally. Why was he much more worked up and nervous than she was? However, he was adorable when he got like this, he seemed more human if that makes any sense.

Not long after, the doctor came in, and Maalik started calming down. She reached the nursery bed with a bright smile. "Greetings your grace, how are you doing today?" She asked in a cheery tone of voice.

"I'm doing fine, I'm really excited." she said, smiling back at her.

Maalik decided to chime into the conversation. "I read some somewhere that a positive attitude during labour can decrease the risk of any complications--"

"Grand duke!" This time she shouted, harsh enough for him to stop rambling. "Can you please stop? You are giving me a headache." She let out a sigh as soon as he shut his mouth. The doctor smiled, clearly amused by the scene.

After a few painfully long hours, a baby's first cry was finally heard.

Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks, and she kissed the top of her small head as she cooed and gurgled. She then hiccuped and yawned as she tried to open her eyes.

Her daughter, Babette. Her little baby girl.

Maalik slowly neared Nakita, looking at the baby as she moved around in her blanket.

He just watched her like he wasn't allowed to touch her. Nakita then stretched her hand, offering Babette for him to carry.

With a bit of hesitation, he cautiously took her like he was afraid he was going to break her. Her big doe eyes stared at him, confused and in awe of what she was looking at.

A soft smile brightened up his face. "Welcome home, Babette."