𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

50⚚ Protect

Author POV:

The room that had been so heavy with unspoken worry suddenly felt lighter—but in a completely different, overwhelming way.

Viraj's quiet, "Let's go to the hospital now, please," held so much tenderness that Amaira didn't even think to argue this time.

She simply nodded, her hand still curled around his. And in that moment, her silent agreement was enough to cause a ripple of emotion through every brother in the room.

Rithvik, who'd been holding his breath without realizing, exhaled shakily and placed a hand over his chest. His eyes welled up, but his lips stretched into the softest smile, the kind only a proud big brother could give.

Daksh, wide-eyed and blinking rapidly, looked like he was trying to contain the universe of excitement bubbling in him—he always dreamt of spoiling his niece or nephew rotten and now that dream might just come true.

He immediately nudged Rithvik and mouthed, Did you hear that?! with the biggest grin.

Ash, on the other hand, stayed quiet, arms crossed, brow furrowed in thought. His joy was there—of course it was—but so was worry. He understood the political implications, the weight of Amaira's title, the prying eyes of the world.

He glanced at Gaurav, who hadn't said a word, only standing stiffly with his jaw clenched so tightly that his temple pulsed. His eyes didn't leave Viraj for even a second.

Gaurav's silence spoke volumes. He isn't furious because Amaira was possibly pregnant—he is furious that she is carrying that fear alone.

That Viraj had somehow let her carry it alone. A million protective instincts surged through him, but he reeled them in, just barely, because right now, Amaira didn't need a war.

She needed peace. She needed space to breathe.

But later... oh, later, Viraj is going to pay.

The second he got him alone, Gaurav is going to put the fear of every father and brother to ever exist into him.

Amid the shifting tension, Ash suddenly spoke up. "Let's call the royal physician here itself. We can't go to the hospital, not like this. You all know why."

Everyone fell quiet. He was right. As much as they hated it, the outside world would not treat this as a moment of joy but as scandalous royal gossip.

Crown Princess Pregnant Before Marriage.

That headline alone could fracture alliances, give enemies leverage, and tarnish Amaira's name—all things she didn't deserve to face, not when she was already scared out of her mind.

Viraj's grip on Amaira's hand tightened protectively. "We can't call them here, bhai," he said firmly. "This is our home. You know neither me nor Amaira likes anyone invading this space. This place is ours. Private. Safe."

The brothers exchanged heavy looks, their loyalty to Amaira and Viraj tangled with the grim reality of being royalty.

Rithvik nodded, stepping up. "Then let's go back to the Princess Palace. We'll call Achi and the royal physician there. It's secure. We'll keep it quiet."

Everyone agreed without a second thought.

Viraj, never letting go of her hand, gently kissed Amaira's knuckles before guiding her to the car.

Rithvik and Ash took the front seats, while Daksh and Gaurav sat behind, eyes flitting toward Amaira every now and then like she was made of glass.

As the car pulled away into the quiet night, a thousand thoughts hung unspoken in the air—but through it all, Viraj never let go of her hand. Not even once.