Whispers of Desires: A Sense of Duty {Book 1}

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 37: 𝕳𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖋𝖊𝖑𝖙 𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘: 𝕬𝖓 𝕰𝖛𝖊𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖔𝖋 𝕯𝖊𝖕𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖊

The castle grounds were abuzz with activity as the servants prepared for the upcoming ball. The scent of flowers and incense filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and music. Lords and ladies from far and wide had come to celebrate the impending birth of the royal heir, their finery reflecting the hopes and dreams they had for the future of the kingdom.

"They seem eager, wouldn't you say?" Kiyoshi murmured, watching as servants scurried about, their movements a blur of color and activity.

Nia nodded in agreement, her gaze taking in the scene before them. "Indeed they are. It is heartwarming to see so many people come together to celebrate the arrival of our child. It truly shows the strength and unity of our kingdom." She placed a gentle hand on her small, round belly, feeling the baby kick and squirm within her.

"Are you prepared, my love?" Kiyoshi asked, taking Nia's hand in his. He looked down at her, his eyes filled with love and anticipation.

Nia smiled up at him, her own emotions a tangled mix of nervousness and excitement. "As much as one can be, I suppose."

The grand double doors of the throne room swung open, revealing a breathtaking sight. Lords and ladies in their finest attire crowded the room, their eyes fixed on the doorway, awaiting the arrival of the royal couple.

As they approached the throne, the guests parted like the sea, creating a path for the expectant parents. The grandmaster of ceremonies announced their arrival, and the great hall erupted into applause. Kiyoshi and Nia smiled and waved, their hearts filled with gratitude for the love and support shown by their people.

Nia's emerald green gown, intricately embroidered with gold thread, shimmered in the candlelight, drawing admiring gazes from the assembled lords and ladies. Kiyoshi, dressed in black, his chest had a gold chain the shape of the royal crest, exuded an air of authority and protectiveness that was unmistakable. Their unborn child, they were sure, would grow up in a world filled with love and protection.

The ambassadors began presenting their gifts, each one more lavish than the last. A jeweled diadem from a distant southern kingdom, a set of silk blankets embroidered with scenes of unicorns and fairies from the north, a hand-carved wooden rocking horse from a coastal village, and a beautifully illustrated book of nursery rhymes, complete with a gold quill and ink for the new mother to write her own stories.

As each gift was presented, Kiyoshi and Nia exchanged knowing glances, their hearts swelling with gratitude for the thought and care that had gone into each one. The evening wore on, and the celebration continued with music, dancing, and feasting. Kiyoshi and Nia danced together, their movements graceful and fluid, their eyes never straying far from their baby bump. They could not help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the life growing within Nia, knowing that they were about to embark on the greatest adventure of their lives: parenthood.

After a while, the ballroom door swung open, and in came Nia's father, governor Nari, and her five sisters.

"Father!" Nia exclaimed, running to embrace her father with a warm hug. "It is so good to see you here!" Her father chuckled returning her hug, "Nia, my dear," he said, "it's been too long since we've seen you. You look radiant" he added.

"Thank you, Father. It is so good to see you." Nia's sisters crowded around her, each giving her a warm embrace in turn. They were all beaming with pride and happiness, their gowns shimmering in the candlelight.

"You look so happy!" Tanisi, the youngest sister, exclaimed, her brown eyes sparkling with joy. "I cannot wait to see you as a mother, Nia."

"Is this what being a Queen feels like?" Adanna said playfully, her eyes twinkling. "If so, I might just have to reconsider my stance on marriage."