The Royal Academy

Chapter 28

The sun shone brightly through the tall windows of the palace, casting golden rays across the room where I sat, surrounded by soft cushions and blankets. I had taken to nesting, preparing our home for the arrival of our little one. Conrad had insisted on ensuring that every detail was perfect, and I reveled in his support as we transformed our living space into a sanctuary for our growing family.

Each day felt like a precious gift as we approached the final weeks of my pregnancy. I busied myself with organizing the nursery, arranging soft blankets, tiny clothes, and delicate toys that would soon fill our lives with laughter and joy. I even began knitting a blanket, something my mother used to do for me when I was a child. The repetitive motion was soothing, a quiet reminder of my childhood and the warmth I wanted to recreate for my own child.

Despite the joyous preparations, there was an undercurrent of anxiety that lingered in the back of my mind. As excited as I was about becoming a mother, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of expectation. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if I couldn’t live up to the ideal of a queen or a mother? I had seen the way the council regarded me, the pressure they placed on Conrad to produce a strong heir, and it made my heart race with worry.

One afternoon, as I sat in the nursery with the soft sounds of a lullaby playing in the background, Conrad entered the room, a warm smile lighting up his face. “What are you up to, my love?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“Just putting the final touches on the nursery,” I replied, gesturing around the room filled with soft pastels and a sense of warmth. “I want everything to be perfect for when our baby arrives.”

He stepped closer, his gaze drifting over the carefully arranged items. “It looks beautiful, just like you,” he said, his voice full of admiration.

I felt my cheeks warm at his compliment. “Thank you. It’s nice to have a space that feels welcoming. I want our child to feel loved and safe here.”

Conrad moved to my side, placing a gentle hand on my back, his touch comforting. “They will, Rosalie. With you as their mother, they’ll always know love.”

I leaned into him, savoring the moment. “Sometimes I worry that I won’t be enough—that I’ll let them down.”

He turned to face me, his expression serious. “You are more than enough. You’ve already shown such strength and love. You’ll be a wonderful mother, and I will be right here with you, every step of the way.”

His reassurance wrapped around me like a warm embrace, easing my fears. “I just want to be good at this. I don’t want to disappoint anyone, especially you.”

Conrad’s eyes softened, and he cupped my face in his hands, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You won’t disappoint me, Rosalie. I chose you to be my wife because of the incredible person you are. You are strong, compassionate, and loving. Our child will have the best of both of us.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his words, the love between us palpable. “Thank you for believing in me,” I whispered, feeling the warmth of his presence settle into my heart.

As the days turned into weeks, we settled into a routine, balancing our responsibilities and preparing for the arrival of our child. The council had granted Conrad a leave of absence, allowing him to focus on our family. I was grateful for this time, as it meant we could be together without the constant interruptions of palace life.

One evening, as we sat together on the balcony overlooking the sprawling gardens, I marveled at the beauty of the world around us. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything. “It’s so peaceful out here,” I mused, closing my eyes and inhaling deeply.

Conrad smiled, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “It is. Sometimes I think we need to pause and appreciate these moments.”

“Especially now, with everything about to change,” I replied, glancing at my growing belly. “I can hardly believe it.”

He turned to me, his eyes filled with warmth and excitement. “I know we’ve faced challenges, but this journey has brought us closer. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“Me neither,” I agreed, leaning against him. “I feel like we’ve grown so much together.”

As the evening wore on, we talked about our hopes and dreams for our child. I shared my desire for them to explore the world, to be curious and kind, and to know the love that surrounded them. Conrad spoke of the legacy he hoped to build, instilling values of compassion, integrity, and strength.

“We will raise them to be proud of who they are,” he declared, determination in his voice. “They will know they are loved and that they have a place in this kingdom.”

With each passing moment, my heart swelled with love for the family we were building. I felt a deep sense of connection with Conrad, a bond that had only strengthened through our shared experiences.

As the days dwindled down to the final weeks of my pregnancy, I noticed the excitement in Conrad’s demeanor. He was attentive and affectionate, often placing his hand on my belly, feeling the gentle movements of our child. “I can’t wait to meet you,” he would whisper, his voice filled with awe.

I often caught him daydreaming, a smile on his face as he imagined what our lives would look like as parents. It warmed my heart to see this side of him, a glimpse of the loving father he would become.

Then, one evening, as we prepared for bed, I felt a sudden tightening in my abdomen, a sensation I hadn’t experienced before. I paused, placing a hand on my belly, confusion washing over me. “Conrad,” I called, my voice slightly shaky.

He turned from where he was arranging some papers. “What is it, Rosalie?”

“I’m not sure,” I replied, my heart racing. “I think something is happening.”

He rushed to my side, concern etched on his face. “What do you mean?”

“It felt like a contraction,” I said, uncertainty creeping into my voice. “But it could be Braxton Hicks—just practice contractions.”

“Let’s not take any chances,” he said firmly, his protective instincts kicking in. “We should call for the physician.”

I nodded, feeling both anxious and excited. Was this the beginning of our journey into parenthood? The thought sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach, a mix of fear and anticipation.

As the physician arrived, I could feel Conrad’s reassuring presence by my side, holding my hand tightly. The warmth of his touch grounded me, reminding me that we were in this together.

“Just relax, Rosalie,” he whispered, his voice steadying. “We’re going to get through this.”

The physician examined me with professionalism and care, explaining everything in a calm manner. “It’s likely your body is preparing for labor,” he informed us. “But let’s keep an eye on it.”

Conrad glanced at me, and I could see the flicker of excitement in his eyes. “We’re really going to meet our baby soon,” he said softly, a smile breaking across his face.

“Yes,” I replied, my heart racing with a mixture of joy and trepidation.

As the hours passed, the sensations in my belly intensified, signaling that our time was drawing near. Conrad remained by my side, his calm presence a balm for my nerves. I could feel the energy shift in the room as the reality of what was happening set in.

With each contraction, I breathed through the waves of pain, feeling a profound connection to the life growing inside me. This was the moment I had been waiting for—the moment I would finally meet my child.

Finally, the physician confirmed that it was time to prepare for the delivery. I looked at Conrad, his eyes filled with unwavering support, and took a deep breath. “I’m ready,” I declared, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and determination.

“Together,” he said firmly, taking my hand as we stepped into this new chapter of our lives, ready to welcome our child into the world.