The Royal Contract

30

Miranda sat on the floor, playing with their young son, Ben approached with a somber expression. Sensing his gravity, she looked up, concern etching her features.

"Ben, what is on your mind?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.Ben took a deep breath, his gaze meeting Miranda's.

"My mother," he began, his voice heavy with concern, "she has fallen ill once again."

Miranda's heart sank at the news. She knew how important Sarah was to Ben and the rest of their family. Pushing aside her own worries, she focused on her husband, asking, "How soon do we need to leave?"

Ben hesitated for a moment before replying, "Immediately."

Nodding, Miranda stood, carefully placing Benji in his crib. She kissed his forehead tenderly, whispering soothing words before turning back to Benjamin. "I'll gather our things. We'll leave as soon as we're ready."

Together, they moved swiftly through the palace, making preparations for their journey. The royal carriage was readied, and within the hour, they were on their way, hearts heavy with concern but united in their determination to be by Sarah's side during this critical time.

Ben stared out the carriage window as they made their way to the countryside, the landscape a blur of green fields and rolling hills.

Miranda, sitting beside him, cradled little Benji in her arms. She spoke softly to their son, her voice a soothing balm in the tense atmosphere. "This is where your father grew up" she said, her eyes filled with warmth as she looked at the baby. "The countryside is beautiful, with wide open fields and the fresh, clean air. Your father used to run through these fields when he was your age."

Ben sighed, the weight of his emotions pressing heavily on him. He turned his gaze from the window to Miranda and their son, finding some comfort in the sight of them. "It seems like a lifetime ago," he murmured, his voice tinged with nostalgia and worry.

Miranda reached out and placed a comforting hand on his knee. "It will be good for your mother to see us," she said softly. "Especially little Benji. He's her joy, just as he is ours."

Ben nodded, grateful for her presence and her unwavering support. "You're right," he replied, managing a small smile. "She always brightens up when she sees him. And having us all there might give her some strength."

The carriage continued its journey, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels a constant companion. As they drew closer to Ben's childhood home, the familiar sights brought back a flood of memories—of simpler times and the love of a mother who had always been there for him.

When they finally arrived, the countryside estate loomed ahead, a picturesque scene framed by the setting sun. Ben's heart ached with a mixture of anticipation and dread. He took a deep breath and squeezed Miranda's hand, drawing strength from her steady presence.

Together, they stepped out of the carriage, ready to face whatever lay ahead. As they approached the entrance, the doors opened, and the household staff greeted them with respectful bows, their faces lined with concern.

Frederick met them at the door, his expression grave but softening at the sight of his son and grandson. "She's been asking for you," he said quietly, his voice filled with emotion.

Ben nodded, holding his son close as he and Miranda followed his father through the familiar halls. They entered Sarah's room, where she lay resting, her face pale but lighting up as she saw them.

"Mother," Ben whispered, his voice breaking as he knelt beside her bed, placing little Benji gently in her arms.

Sarah's eyes filled with tears of joy as she looked at her grandson. "Oh, my precious boy, Little Benji" she murmured, her voice weak but filled with love. She looked up at Ben and Miranda, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for coming."