𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

76⚚ Hazy

One and half months later.

"She is absolutely healthy, and the baby is also so healthy, Your Majesty. We may expect the baby in a week," the doctor said warmly to Viraj, who gave her a curt nod while Amaira sat beside him, her palm protectively caressing her round belly, a glowing smile never leaving her face.

"Also, Your Grace," the doctor continued, her tone soft yet serious, "you both need to be a little more careful. The baby might come sooner than expected or a little later—this is common. Make sure the queen doesn't exhaust herself, let her rest often, and avoid sudden stress. Nutritious food, regular walks, and calm surroundings will be the best for both mother and child. And Your Majesty," she turned to Viraj, "the queen will need your constant support through the last stage. Don't let her feel even a pinch of discomfort."

Viraj's jaw tightened with responsibility as he nodded again, his eyes flickering to his wife, who was still absentmindedly caressing her belly with a soft smile, humming something only the baby could hear.

His heart warmed so much at the sight that he almost forgot the rest of the room existed.

He turned his head to Bhageera and motioned with his hand. Bhageera instantly understood, bowing respectfully before escorting the doctor out.

"I will see you soon, Your grace," the doctor said, bowing to both the king and queen before walking out with Bhageera. The chamber door shut behind them, leaving the couple in a quiet world of their own.

Viraj sighed deeply and shifted closer to his queen, his large palm cupping her face gently. His thumb stroked her cheek with such tenderness that Amaira raised one brow at him, amused.

"What is it?" she asked softly, her voice laced with mischief, though her eyes sparkled with love.

Viraj chuckled and shook his head. "I'll miss this," he whispered, his gaze dropping to her.

"You, with this chubby-chubby glow, looking so adorably round and soft... I swear baby, you've never looked more beautiful than you do right now."

Amaira laughed lightly, cheeks flushing as she swatted at his chest. "Vijjulu, stop teasing me. I look like a walking watermelon and you're calling me beautiful?"

Viraj leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss on her temple. "Not beautiful," he corrected, his voice low and full of sincerity.

"You are divine. You are glowing, baby. Every curve, every little change, it's because you're carrying our little bean inside you. And that makes you... precious beyond words."

Her smile trembled as her eyes grew glassy with emotions. She placed her hand over his, pressing it against her cheek. "Aren't you excited, Vijjulu? Just a few more days, and we'll finally meet our lil bean."

Viraj lowered his hand to her belly, caressing the bump with utmost reverence. "Excited?" he murmured, eyes locked on the roundness beneath his palm.

"Oh my love, Dada can't wait to meet you. Every night I whisper to you, every day I wait for a kick, every second I imagine your tiny face. My heart is already yours, little one."

Amaira's heart melted at his words, and she rested her head on his chest with a soft sigh of contentment. "Do you know, Raj? I think about how you'll hold our baby for the first time. How you'll look at them the way you look at me—like your entire world is right there in your arms. And I know I'll cry."

Viraj chuckled, wrapping his arm protectively around her, his other hand still stroking her belly. "If you cry, I'll cry too. Because the moment I see our baby, my highness, I'll know I've truly lived. I'll finally see the little love of my life... and the life we created together."