My arrogant ROYAL.

Epilogue.

One year later.

Steph, a seasoned palace staff member, had never been one to indulge in frivolous gossip. Yet, the unconventional royal couple before her was a curiosity she couldn't help but notice. As she meticulously cleaned the lengthy corridor, her gaze drifted toward the approaching monarchs.

The queen cradled a swaddled infant in his arms, while the king affectionately encircled his waist with a tender grasp. Steph's eyes lingered on the heartwarming scene, marveling at the joy that radiated from the pair. She struggled to comprehend how two men could form such a loving family unit, but the queen's serene demeanor suggested that the baby brought them even closer together.

As they drew nearer, Steph caught glimpses of the king's absorbed expression, his free hand engrossed in his phone, while the queen gazed adoringly at him. The soft murmur of their conversation wafted through the air, carrying the warmth of their love and contentment.

"Do you think I'm gaining flesh?" the queen asked, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. Steph suppressed a smile, for the queen's concern was unwarranted – he looked radiant, and not just because he was seeking reassurance.

The king's gaze softened as he brought their stroll to a gentle halt, his lips brushing against the queen's forehead in a tender caress. He then bestowed a loving kiss upon the baby in his arms, who was almost four months old, if Steph's memory served her correctly. "You aren't," the king whispered, his voice dripping with devotion, 'and even if you were, I'd kiss it away if I could." Steph's cheeks flushed as the royal couple glided past her, their love and contentment palpable.

She bowed her head, continuing her cleaning, lost in thought. The kingdom had undergone a profound transformation, and not just for the royal family – a new era of acceptance and love had dawned on their world.

Steph had lost count of the times she'd ventured into the village to visit her family or run errands, only to stumble upon scenes that would have been unthinkable before: men kissing men, women embracing women. The kingdom's transformation was nothing short of astonishing, and Steph couldn't help but attribute it to Adar's bold reforms.

The king's refusal to apologize to his father for his relationship with Evan still brought a smile to her face – their love had prevailed, culminating in a marriage and the birth of their child, Princess Emily. Steph's curiosity got the better of her, though, as she recalled never seeing the queen with a baby bump.

She remembered a pregnant woman lurking around the palace, only to vanish after giving birth. It was as if the royal family had pulled off a magical feat, and Steph couldn't help but chuckle at the secrecy surrounding the princess's arrival.

But if Steph were to be candid, she preferred the new Aldrich to its former iteration – the kingdom's transformation was a breath of fresh air.

——

As Adar and Evan retreated to their chambers, they found Emily fast asleep, having missed the moment their darling daughter drifted off. Evan gently placed her in her cradle, carefully withdrawing to avoid disturbing her peaceful slumber. He collapsed onto the bed, exhausted, yet exhilarated by the experience.

One child was more work than he had anticipated, but every moment was precious. She was enchanting. Just then, Adar appeared, standing between his legs and lifting his shirt to shower his stomach with tender kisses.

Evan struggled to stifle a laugh, fearful of rousing Emily, who seemed irritable after a prolonged nap. "Stop that,"he whispered, his voice laced with amusement. "You'll wake Emily,"he cautioned, his eyes sparkling with mirth.

"I hate seeing you insecure," Adar whispered, his breath dancing across Evan's ear as he enveloped him in a tender embrace. Evan's breath hitched in his throat, his heart skipping a beat. "I was just worried," he confessed, his voice barely audible.

"I don't want to lose my appeal in your eyes." Evan said softly.

Adar's response was a gentle reassurance.

"You'll always be captivating to me, regardless of age or circumstance. Even when you're struggling to find your footing with Emily – and we both are, for that matter – you're still perfect in my eyes. Parenting is a journey, not a destination; we'll navigate it together, imperfections and all." With that, Adar bestowed a soft, chaste kiss upon Evan's cheek, his touch imbuing Evan with a sense of comfort and devotion.

"But... you're a king,"Evan protested, turning his head away, "I can't burden you with my struggles."

Adar's response was swift and passionate. "Who said I'd merely coexist with you? I made a promise to build a life together, and I intend to uphold it." With that, Adar's hand grasped Evan's chin, his fingers gentle yet firm, as he drew him in for a deep, hungry kiss. The touch was electrifying, leaving Evan breathless as Adar pulled away, his eyes burning with devotion.

"Trust me, we will rule,"Adar said with a chuckle, "and don't forget the bet you made with Simon?"Evan couldn't help but laugh at the memory of their foolish wager.

He had vowed to never complain to Simon about Emily or ask for help, boasting that he had everything under control. Now, as a new father, he was eating his words, but his pride wouldn't let him back down. Especially not when they had just welcomed their child into the world – it was a daunting task, but he was determined to rise to the challenge.

"I won't even try," Evan whispered, his lips meeting Adar's in a longer, sweeter kiss. This was their love, and he was willing to learn and grow alongside Adar. Just then, Emily's cries pierced the air, but as soon as Adar scooped her up, she fell silent.

Evan smiled wistfully, aware that their daughter seemed to adore Adar more – she had his eyes, after all. And in this moment, Evan knew that this was his life, and he was ready to embrace it fully, imperfections and all.

(Swear there's no more surprises.)