Tied to the Throne

chapter fifty six

We sat at the long table, sharing a simple but hearty breakfast. The air was thick with quiet conversation, the gentle clink of silverware, and the comfortable hum of the usual morning routines. But beneath the ordinary, there was something extraordinary bubbling under the surface—today was the day we would tell our them.

I glanced across the table at Nikolai, who caught my eye and offered a small, knowing smile. He looked as handsome and collected as always, though there was a subtle excitement in the way his fingers lightly tapped the table, betraying his calm exterior. I knew that the news we were about to share would change everything. I hadn't seen him this eager in weeks.

The rest of the table was engaged in light conversation. Camille and Ben were discussing a recent trade agreement between the villages, while Matteo sat beside them, laughing at something Ben had just said. Everyone seemed so at ease, their faces lit with familiarity and comfort in each other's presence.

My heart swelled with affection as I glanced at each of them. These were the people who had supported us through everything. And now, we were about to give them something to celebrate, something to look forward to.

When the moment felt right, Nikolai placed his hand over mine on the table, and I gave him a small nod. He stood, his voice carrying through the room as he addressed everyone.

"Everyone, we have some news to share," he began, his tone warm and steady, though there was a twinkle of excitement in his eyes. "Something we've been keeping to ourselves for a little while now."

The chatter around the table slowly quieted, and all eyes turned toward us. Camille, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow. "What is it, you two?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity and good-natured teasing.

I took a deep breath, squeezing Nikolai's hand as I stood by his side. My pulse quickened, and I could feel the excitement building inside me. Nikolai met my gaze, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to pause. This was the moment I had been waiting for, the moment I had dreamed of since we first talked about a family.

"We're having a baby," I said softly, my heart fluttering in my chest as I finally let the words escape.

The room went silent for a beat. Then, Camille's expression changed from mild curiosity to pure shock, her hands flying to her face. "Wait, are you serious?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion. "You're really—"

"Yes, Bella's pregnant," Nikolai confirmed, his smile broadening as he looked at me with pride. "And we couldn't be happier."

Camille stood up so quickly that her chair tipped over, but she didn't care. She rushed over to me and pulled me into a tight hug, her arms enveloping me in a warmth I had missed so much. I felt her tears on my shoulder, and I couldn't help but laugh as I squeezed her back.

"I'm so happy for you!" Camille whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I knew it! I could just tell something was different about you lately!"

Ben and Matteo were right behind her, their faces lighting up with disbelief and joy. Ben clapped Nikolai on the back, his grin wide and genuine. "I knew there was something in the air. You two are going to be incredible parents."

Matteo grinned and added, "A little prince or princess to rule the kingdom, huh? I'm already planning to spoil them rotten."

We all laughed, the atmosphere light and full of happiness as we sat back down. It felt like the weight of the past few months had lifted, and I was surrounded by the warmth of friends who cared for us deeply. I exchanged glances with Nikolai, my heart full to the brim with love.

"Thank you," I whispered to him, my voice full of gratitude. "For being with me. For being so strong through everything."

He smiled softly, leaning over to kiss my cheek. "I couldn't be anywhere else, Bell. This is everything we've dreamed of. And we're going to do this together."

The room was filled with laughter, well-wishes, and a sense of hope that hadn't been there for a long time. But even amidst the joy, I noticed the look that passed between Nikolai and Camille. She knew. I could see it in her eyes. She understood the depth of what this meant for us, the journey we had been on, and the hopes we had held onto.

As the conversation turned to the details of the pregnancy—how far along I might be, when we should start preparing, and what kind of names we liked—I sat back, feeling the weight of their excitement wash over me. But there was something deeper in all of this, something that I hadn't yet told them.

I hadn't told them how scared I was.

How terrified I was that something could go wrong again, that I could lose this baby too. After our previous heartbreak, that fear still lurked in the background, even if I didn't say it out loud. But for now, I let myself bask in the joy of the moment. I would cross that bridge when I needed to. For now, I was going to hold onto this new life growing inside me and the incredible man by my side.

The conversation eventually turned to plans for the future. We spoke about names for the baby, as well as the things we would need to do to prepare the castle for our growing family. It was surreal to think of all the changes that would come with this new chapter, but at the same time, it felt like everything had fallen into place. This was our time. We were going to be parents.

As the morning wore on, our friends' excitement didn't dim. Camille insisted we start planning a celebration, and Ben and Matteo were already discussing how they could help Nikolai with the preparations. The castle would be buzzing with activity in the coming months, but I didn't mind. I was excited, ready for the chaos, for the new normal that would come with it.

When they finally left for the day, after promises of more celebrations to come, Nikolai and I were left alone in the quiet of the castle. It was strange to think that only a few months ago, we had been grieving. Now, we were looking toward the future, toward new life and new beginnings.

Nikolai pulled me into his arms, his lips brushing against my hair as he held me close. "This is the happiest I've ever been, Bell," he murmured. "I can't wait to see you as a mother."

I smiled, feeling my heart swell with love for him. "And I can't wait to see you as a father."

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