The Royal Academy

Chapter 26

The days following Conrad’s return felt like a strange blend of joy and tension. Though we were more connected than we had been in a long time, there was still a lingering weight between us, something unspoken that hung in the air. I could sense it in the way Conrad would smile, but his eyes remained distant, or how his hand would drift protectively over my growing belly, only for him to sigh as if the burden of expectation was too much to bear.

We spent more time together—dinners in private, walks through the gardens, and quiet moments in his chambers—but there was a pressure building, one neither of us seemed willing to name. And while I tried to enjoy the fleeting moments of closeness, I couldn’t ignore the feeling that something was about to change.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting golden light through the palace windows, Conrad was called away to another meeting. His departure left me feeling unsettled, and I wandered through the empty halls alone. I found myself back in our private wing, where Anna was tidying up the nursery that had been freshly painted for our child. The sight of the crib, the delicate fabrics, and the small toys that filled the room stirred something deep inside me—a strange mix of excitement and fear.

As I stood at the doorway, watching Anna fuss over a small blanket, the reality of my life began to sink in. This baby was coming. Soon. And with it, an entirely new set of expectations. I could feel the weight of what was expected from me—motherhood, duty, the hope of an heir to the throne. I had wanted this, hadn’t I?

I let out a soft breath, resting my hand on my stomach as I watched Anna. She noticed me standing there and gave me a gentle smile, but her eyes were full of unspoken worry. I wondered if she saw the same thing in me.

"Your Majesty," Anna said softly, "would you like me to prepare tea? You look tired."

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Yes, that would be nice. Thank you, Anna."

She bustled off, and I made my way over to the crib. My fingers traced the smooth wood of the frame as I imagined what life would be like when our child arrived. Would Conrad be as present then as he was now, or would he retreat further into his royal duties? Would we be able to maintain this fragile balance we had found, or would the pressures of the kingdom tear us apart again?

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t hear Conrad’s footsteps until he was right behind me.

"Rosalie."

His voice startled me, and I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his face unreadable. There was a tension in his posture, something off in the way he looked at me.

"Conrad," I said, forcing a smile. "I didn’t hear you come in. How was your meeting?"

He stepped into the room, glancing briefly at the crib before looking back at me. His expression was serious, more so than usual, and it sent a shiver of unease through me.

"It was... necessary," he said, his tone flat. "But I need to talk to you about something."

The shift in his voice made my heart race. I swallowed hard, nodding for him to continue.

Conrad hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. "The council... they’re growing impatient. They want to see more progress, especially now that we’ve announced the pregnancy. They’re pressuring me about our public image and what it means for the kingdom. They want you to attend more public events, to be seen as the future mother of this kingdom. They expect you to step into the role of queen more fully."

My heart sank at his words. I had known this was coming, but hearing it spoken aloud made it feel so much more real. I had spent so much of my time isolated in the palace, quietly preparing for motherhood, that I hadn’t fully realized how much more would be expected of me once the baby arrived.

"I see," I said quietly, my hand instinctively resting on my stomach. "And what about us, Conrad? What happens to us?"

He sighed, stepping closer and taking my hands in his. "I’m trying, Rosalie. I want to make this work. But there’s so much... pressure. I don’t know how to balance everything. The kingdom, the baby, you." His eyes softened as he searched mine, and for the first time in weeks, I saw a flicker of vulnerability there. "I don’t want to lose what we’ve built, but I’m afraid I won’t be enough for you. Or for the kingdom."

His confession took me by surprise. I had always seen Conrad as so strong, so sure of himself. It hadn’t occurred to me that he might feel the same doubts and fears that I did.

"You don’t have to do this alone," I whispered, squeezing his hands. "I’m here. I want to be here. But I need you to trust me, Conrad. I can be more than just the future mother of your child. I can be your partner, your support. But you have to let me in."

He looked at me for a long moment, his expression conflicted. Then, slowly, he pulled me into his arms, holding me close.

"I’m sorry," he murmured against my hair. "I’ve been so focused on everything else, I didn’t see how much I’ve been shutting you out. I promise, I’ll do better."

I closed my eyes, sinking into the warmth of his embrace. For the first time in a long while, I felt like we were finally on the same page. But I also knew that the road ahead would be difficult. The kingdom’s demands wouldn’t lessen, and neither would the expectations placed on us. But for now, in this quiet moment, I chose to believe that we could face it together.

"I love you," I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Conrad stiffened slightly, pulling back just enough to look down at me. His expression was unreadable, and for a brief, agonizing moment, I wondered if I had said too much.

But then, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

"I know," he said quietly. "And I’m trying, Rosalie. I’m trying to love you too."

It wasn’t quite the response I had hoped for, but it was a start. And for now, that was enough.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I allowed myself to hope that this—us—was something worth fighting for. Something that could grow stronger, even under the weight of the kingdom’s expectations. And as long as Conrad was willing to try, so was I.