Page 18

TRISTAN

The steady beep of the heart monitor has become my companion through the night. I’ve counted each pulse, matching them to my own heartbeats, finding comfort in their rhythmic certainty while everything else feels so precarious.

Our baby. The thought still catches me off guard sometimes, flooding me with equal parts terror and joy.

When the nurse pushes the door open, I turn so that I can see her, fully alert. She gives me a sympathetic smile as she checks Lia’s vitals.

“How is she?” I whisper, not wanting to wake my wife.

“Improving steadily,” the nurse says, making notes on her tablet.

“Blood pressure’s back to normal. That’s very good.

” She glances at me, taking in my rumpled suit and the dark circles under my eyes.

I got rid of my jacket at some point, but I’m not exactly comfortable.

“You should try to get some real sleep, Your Majesty.”

I shake my head. “I’m fine right here.”

She doesn’t argue, having learned over the past twenty-four hours that the King of Haldonia isn’t leaving his wife’s side, royal duties be damned.

When the door closes behind her, I roll over, and press the heels of my hands against my eyes.

The image of Lia collapsing yesterday during the library dedication is burned into my memory—her face suddenly draining of color, her hand reaching for me as her knees buckled.

I’ve never moved so fast in my life, catching her before she hit the floor, the room erupting in gasps and shouts.

I’ve watched the video that someone recorded more times than I care to admit.

It’s as if I’m punishing myself because I wasn’t there.

“You’re thinking too loud.”

My head rolls over at the sound of Lia’s voice, rough with sleep but the most beautiful sound I’ve heard in hours. Since the last time I heard her talk, all I’ve wanted is to hear more words, to know she’s okay.

“Hey,” I say, turning back over, taking her hand in mine. “How are you feeling?”

She smiles weakly. “Like I’ve been run over by the royal carriage.” Her free hand moves to her stomach. “Is the baby?—”

“Fine,” I say quickly, placing my hand over hers. “The baby’s fine. Just perfect. The doctor said it was just dehydration and exhaustion brought on by the virus. Your body telling you to slow down.” I don’t mention that we already discussed most of this. I know she’s worried.

The relief in her eyes makes my chest tighten. “I was so scared,” she whispers.

“Me too.” I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “But you’re both okay, and that’s all that matters.”

“What time is it?” She glances toward the window, where the first hints of dawn are starting to appear.

“Too early. Go back to sleep.”

She studies my face, her eyes softening. “Have you slept at all?”

I shrug. “Here and there.”

“Liar,” she says, but there’s affection in her voice.

“Lia, I don’t think?—”

“Since when does the King of Haldonia worry about hospital protocol?” She opens her arms up to me. “I’ll sleep better with your arms around me.”

It’s all the invitation I need. I carefully pull her to me, mindful of the IV in her arm, and she nestles against me with a contented sigh.

I press a kiss to her temple, breathing in the scent of her hair, and for the first time since she collapsed, I feel the knot of fear in my chest begin to loosen.

“Parker will have a fit if he finds us like this,” I murmur against her hair.

She laughs softly. “Let him. Even he wouldn’t dare separate us.”

I finally drift off to the steady rhythm of her breathing, waking only when the nurses come to check on her, holding my breath each time until they confirm that everything is still stable.

Morning brings Dr. Bennett, who reviews Lia’s chart with an approving nod. “Your blood pressure is back to normal, and all your other labs look good, Your Majesty,” she tells Lia. “I think we can discharge you today, provided you follow my instructions about rest.”

“She will,” I say before Lia can respond. “I’ll personally see to it.”

Dr. Bennett smiles, turning to me. “I’m sure you will, Your Majesty.

I want her on bed rest for the next three days, limited activity for the week after that, and then we’ll reassess.

She needs to stay hydrated, keep her stress levels low, and rest.” He gives Lia a pointed look.

“That means delegating some of your charitable work, ma’am. ”

Lia opens her mouth to protest, but I squeeze her hand. “We’ll make it happen,” I promise.

Two hours later, after signing discharge papers and navigating through the hospital with Parker creating a security bubble around us, we’re in the car heading back to the palace. Lia leans against me, looking exhausted just from the short journey from her room to the car.

“Kate called while you were getting dressed,” I tell her, my arm around her shoulders. “She’s rescheduled all my appointments for the next three days.”

Lia looks up at me, surprised. “Tristan, you don’t have to?—”

“Yes, I do.” My tone leaves no room for argument. “The country can survive without me for a few days. You and our child are what matter most to me.”

“But the education reform bill?—”

“Will still be there next week.” I press my lips to her forehead. “Nothing is more important than you. Nothing.”

She relaxes against me, too tired to argue further, and I silently thank whatever gods might be listening that she’s not fighting me on this. The thought of returning to meetings and royal duties while she recovers alone is unbearable.

At the palace, I carry her from the car to our private apartments despite her protests that she can walk.

Parker follows discreetly behind, his eyes constantly scanning for threats, though he says nothing about my breach of royal protocol.

Even he knows better than to get between me and Lia right now.

Shannon meets us at the door to our suite, her face lined with worry. “Your Majesties, I’ve had the staff prepare?—”

“Thank you, Shannon,” I cut her off gently. “Can you please ensure we’re not disturbed for the rest of the day unless it’s an emergency? And have some light food sent up in about an hour?”

“Of course, sir.” She steps aside, allowing me to carry Lia into our bedroom.

Once I’ve settled Lia in our bed, propped up against pillows, I sit beside her, taking her hands in mine. “What do you need? Anything at all?”

She smiles softly, reaching up to touch my face. “Just you. You look exhausted, Tristan.”

“I’m fine.” I catch her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “I need to make a statement to the public. They’ve been worried about you.”

“You haven’t made one yet?”

I shake my head. “Parker’s been handling the press. I wanted to wait until I had good news to share.” I don’t tell her about the hours I spent pacing in the hospital corridor, praying to a God I’m not sure I believe in, making bargains with the universe to keep her and our baby safe.

“Go,” she says, squeezing my hand. “Make your statement and then come back to me. I’m not going anywhere.”

I hesitate, reluctant to leave her side even for a moment.

“I promise I’ll still be right here,” she adds with a knowing smile. “Go be king for ten minutes, then come back to being just my husband.”

With a sigh, I stand, straightening my jacket. “Ten minutes,” I agree, leaning down to kiss her. “Not a second more.”

In my office, Parker and Kate wait with the communications team. They’ve drafted a statement, but I barely glance at it before handing it back.

“I’ll speak from the heart,” I tell them, adjusting my tie as the camera is set up. “No script.”

Kate raises an eyebrow but doesn’t argue. She’s learned when to push and when to let me have my way.

When the red light on the camera blinks on, I take a deep breath, thinking of Lia upstairs in our bed, safe and recovering.

“People of Haldonia,” I begin, looking directly into the camera. “As many of you know, Queen Amelia was taken to the hospital yesterday after falling ill. I want to personally thank you for your prayers and well wishes during this anxious time.”

I pause, allowing myself a small smile. “I am relieved and grateful to inform you that Her Majesty is now recovering at home. Both she and our unborn child are doing well, though the queen will be taking time to rest and recover over the coming days.”

My voice softens slightly. “Becoming parents is the greatest joy and responsibility that Queen Amelia and I have ever faced. It is a journey we share with many of you, and one that reminds me daily of what is truly important—family, health, and the future we are building together.”

I straighten, my resolve clear. “For the next few days, I will be stepping back from public duties to care for my wife. I trust you understand that my first duty must be to her, just as many of you would do for those you love.”

“The business of government continues, of course. My staff and the Royal Council will address any urgent matters, and I will return to my full duties once the queen is fully recovered. We are both deeply touched by your concern and support during this time.”

I nod once, signaling the end of the broadcast. The moment the camera light goes off, I’m already heading for the door.

“Sir,” Parker calls after me. “The ambassador from?—”

“Can wait,” I finish for him, not breaking stride. “I meant what I said. For the next few days, I’m not king. I’m just a man taking care of his wife.”

Back in our bedroom, I find Lia dozing against the pillows, one hand still resting protectively over her stomach. I quietly remove my jacket and tie, kick off my shoes, and slide into bed beside her, careful not to wake her.

She stirs anyway, eyes fluttering open. “How did it go?”

“Fine,” I murmur, pulling her gently against me. “I told them the truth—that nothing is more important to me than you and our baby.”

She smiles sleepily, nestling closer. “Not even Haldonia?”

“Not even Haldonia,” I confirm, placing my hand over hers on her stomach. “The country will survive without me for a few days. But I wouldn’t survive without you.”

“That’s treason, Your Majesty,” she teases softly.

“Then arrest me.” I press my lips to her forehead. “I’m guilty as charged.”

As she drifts back to sleep in my arms, I think about what Parker said to me days ago, about not showing how much she means to me. He was wrong. My strength doesn’t come from appearing invulnerable. It comes from knowing exactly what I’m fighting for.

And what I’m fighting for is right here in my arms.