The Royal Spare (COMPLETED)

56-Of A National Celebration

The days went by quickly and smoothly. Outside, the whole nation was bustling with preparations for the engagement ceremony that will be held in the biggest public square in the center of the capital city. It wasn't an exaggeration. I truly meant "the whole nation". Every flower, jewelry, food, cake, dress, wine, and service supplier in Reidonia gifted their best products and services for the occasion. Sir Eduardo who supervised the preparations could barely keep up with all of them but everyone was in a jubilant mood in anticipation of the "national celebration" to unite Reidonia's two most influential and beloved houses in marriage.

Inside the palace, I, together with Lord Gerardo and my fianće Gali, left all the preparations in the capable hands of our staff and diligently worked together to keep the country in order. Members of the privy council who were proved to still be loyal to the royal family extended their help and fully cooperated with us for the good of the citizens. New foreign investors and collaboration with other governments have been signed too. It would appear that the remaining days of my regency could only be peaceful, jovial and prosperous.

We also finally got through to the Slavjan government and got news about the Crown Prince. We were told that my brother and his entourage were all in good health but needed to stay inside the Slavjan royal residence until the quarantine was lifted. We were all overjoyed about the news. I was so happy that I suddenly sprung up from the throne and searched for my mobile phone to call my brother that my perpetually tranquil future husband frowned and gave me a quiet reprimanding look that made me sit back down and calmly ask the royal secretary to make the call for me instead.

When he saw that I have calmed my mood and obediently stayed still, Gali patiently signed to remind me to be careful of my movements and not be overly emotional about anything whether happy or sad. My heart was warmed by his manner. Over the years, I have gotten used to his care and protection that I thought, I have seen the best of it. Living closely with Gali, sleeping in the comfort of his arms, waking up to his smile the past few days and experiencing a new level of his attention to me and the little life inside me, I was left in awe.

I smiled at him and teased, "Aren't you being overly protective, Sir? Should I be jealous? I'm not your favorite anymore?"

He grinned and playfully flicked my forehead in response then signed, "You're still my silly little princess. You'll always be my favorite."

I pouted then crossed my arms over my chest and said, "I'll believe you only if you let me eat ice cream today."

He sighed and furrowed his eyebrows in deep thought then began to sign an argument, "But..."

I knew that he was going to tell me about the doctor's advice to watch what I eat during pregnancy but I was in the mood to tease him. The subtle frustration that wrinkled his usually serene and stoic face was too adorable to pass.

"You're doing it again. You don't love me at all." I whined. I was intentionally pestering him for two reasons. One, I wanted to see if there was really no end to his patience. Two, I really wanted ice cream.

His lips pursed together and he frowned. Was he going to get angry at me for the first time? He stayed that way for a few seconds before he finally signed, "One scoop then no more sweets for the day." He finally compromised.

I grinned and hugged his arm. "Oh, Gali! You do love me the most."

He smiled softly and gently touched the top of my head as his way to say he does.

In the eyes of those who didn't know the truth, we were like any affectionate couple who were deeply in love with each other but Gali and I both know that the love we have for one another is more familial than romantic. Although given our situation and our future relationship, the possibility of our feelings progressing could not be dismissed especially when he keeps proving how great he would be as my husband and how much he already loves my child with Aidan.