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TRISTAN

This is the first address I’m giving to the people of Haldonia since learning that Amelia and I are going to have a baby. I’ve been going back and forth about whether we should announce or if we should show up in public with a child after she has it. There are advantages to both situations. It’s been three months since we found out, and it’s officially okay for us to let people know.

Although we’re picking up the pieces of war, it hasn’t been easy. We’ve run into roadblocks here and there. Including a small almost-uprising in Haldonia.

“Our citizens need something good,” Lia says as she looks over at me.

It’s amazing how much her body has changed even in three months. The dress she’s wearing is filled out at the top, and there’s a slight swell at her stomach. Every time I see it I’m hit with the knowledge that it’s my baby inside her. The two of us will be continuing the monarchy, and our line. Walking over to her, I place my hand on her stomach and lean in, giving her a kiss. “Well, we have something good, at least.”

She rolls her eyes but accepts my kiss. “It’s not going to be hidden very much longer, Tristan. It was easier as people were trying to get their lives back together and social media over here was getting back online. They didn’t expect to see me all the time, so they didn’t get a chance to notice how pale and sick I was during that first trimester. We’ve enjoyed this time together, but I think it’s good that we share with the people. They need something to look forward to, too. While all of them won’t be excited, a good number of them will. Maybe this is the chance to bring everyone together again, Tristan.”

I hear what she’s saying, but there’s a part of me that’s worried. If we make an announcement, it will be on the balcony of the castle, just like our marriage announcement was. That puts us right in the crosshairs of anyone who wants to do us harm. Coming back from where we just did, I’m concerned. We were attacked out of nowhere. “Are you sure? Shannon and Parker will be there with us, but I’m still worried. The invasion and attack have left me with scars that I don’t know I’ll ever be able to get rid of, Lia. You’re the one thing that kept me sane through all of it, and I don’t want to give anyone a reason to want to hurt you.”

She reaches up, palming my cheek. “I understand your fear. I have it too. But this is a happy time. Let’s share it with them. I think your mom would want that.”

“All right. If that’s what you wish, we’ll tell them today.”

“I do.” She smiles that serene smile of a woman who knows she’s going to be the best mother in the world.

“There are a few more things I need to talk about before I leave,” I tell the crowd that’s gathered below us. There’s a round of applause, the same they’ve given us with every word I’ve said today.

She and I look at one another, and I give her a soft smile.

“As we look to the future for Haldonia, there are many things we’re happy to be bringing. We’re working on rebuilding, and while I realize we haven’t gotten to every part of the city, we are working on it. Those of you who haven’t seen the reconstruction crew, please fill out the government assistance forms, and we’ll get you taken care of.”

I take a moment and look out at the crowd, committing it to memory. Reaching over, I pull Amelia to me and stand her in front of me. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I put my hands on her stomach. “The last announcement we have for today is that the future of Haldonia is here with us today. Your queen and I will be having the next generation of our family, and we hope you’ll celebrate that miracle with us.”

There are shouts and claps all around. Amelia turns into my arms, and we share a sweet kiss on the balcony.

Parker groans as he’s been known to do. “You know that’s going to be on the cover of all the magazines tomorrow.”

It’s become what I expect him to say with every public display of affection. Reaching over, I grip his shoulder. “Damn right, Park. One day it’ll be you, but until then? My wife and I are going to turn the chaos into love.”

Little did we know that would be harder than we ever thought imaginable.