Chapter 276
276/278: A Week-Long Celebration
Althea sat quietly on the bed while the royal physician examined her, though her eyes kept drifting toward Gavriel.
He had been pacing back and forth across the chamber ever since she complained about feeling unwell. Every few steps he would stop and glance at her, his brows tightly drawn with
worry.
She sighed softly.
“Relax,” she told him with a reassuring smile.
Gavriel stopped pacing but only long enough to glare at the physician beside her.
“How could I relax when she looks this pale?” he retorted sharply. “What is it? Did she eat something bad last night?”
Althea blinked. She hadn’t even had breakfast yet which made the strange nausea even more confusing.
The female physician gently took her wrist again checking her pulse calmly. After a moment, she looked up and asked carefully,
“When was the last time you had your menstrual cycle, Your Majesty?”
The question caught Althea completely off guard
Her brows slowly furrowed as she tried to recall.
Then suddenly-
Her eyes widened.
“I… missed it this month,” she whispered.
Her heart began hammering against her chest as realization dawned. Slowly, almost hesitantly, she lifted her gaze toward the physician.
The gentle smile forming on the woman’s face confirmed everything.
“Oh my God,” Althea gasped.
Almost unconsciously, her hand drifted down to rest on her stomach.
The royal physician looked between them before offering a warm smile,
“Congratulations, Your Majesties,” she announced gently. Then she turned toward Gavriel.” The Queen is with child.”
“What?” Gavriel burst out.
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He froze where he stood, staring at Althea as if the words needed time to settle in his mind.
Althea was already looking back at him with shining eyes and a wide, radiant smile. She nodded excitedly.
“We’re going to have a baby,” she said, almost breathless with joy.
For a moment, Gavriel didn’t move.
Then suddenly he crossed the chamber in long strides and lifted her straight off the bed, sweeping her into his arms. He spun her around in pure excitement, laughter escaping him as he held her close.
“We’re going to be parents!” he beamed.
Althea giggled, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck as the room seemed to spin with them. She buried her face against his neck, her heart swelling with happiness.
She felt like she was floating on cloud nine.
Having a baby with Gavriel had not been something she expected so soon, but the thought filled her with a deep, overwhelming gratitude.
This was the family she was now building with Gavriel. And it was only just beginning.
Without caring that the royal physician and her assistants were still in the room, Gavriel gently set her down on her feet and immediately cupped her face.
Then he began showering her with kisses. Her forehead. Her cheeks. The tip of her nose.
“I love you,” he said between kisses, his voice overflowing with joy. “I love you so much. You’re the best thing that ever happened in my life. Thank you… thank you so much.”
Althea burst into soft giggles, letting her husband do as he pleased. His happiness was so genuine that it warmed her heart even more.
When he finally stopped, Gavriel pulled her close again, holding her as if she were the most delicate treasure in the world.
Then his expression turned serious as he looked toward the physician.
“Prepare everything she and the baby will need,” he ordered firmly. “Speak with the kitchen. and the cooks as well. I want meals prepared that will keep my wife and my child healthy.”
The physician straightened immediately, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And make a full list of everything she should and should not do while she is pregnant,” Gavriel continued. “I want nothing overlooked.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Althea’s smile widened as she watched the physician and her assistants begin discussing the
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arrangements while noting down Gavriel’s instructions.
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Her husband had already slipped fully into the role of a protective father. And seeing him like this made her heart feel fuller than ever.
Gavriel wasted no time in sharing the joyous news with the entire kingdom.
By royal decree, a week-long celebration was announced. Feasts were held across the capital, music filled the streets, and the news spread like wildfire-the king was becoming a father, and an heir to the throne was on the way.
The people rejoiced. For many, it felt like a blessing after all the hardships the kingdom had endured. It was seen as a sign of prosperity, a promise that brighter days were ahead under the rule of their king and queen.
Within the palace, the happiness was just as overwhelming.
The Queen Mother was practically glowing with bliss, while Riela was beyond excited at the thought of becoming an aunt. She had already begun talking about gifts, toys, and how she would spoil the child endlessly.
Meanwhile, Beatrice and Riela were helping arrange fresh flowers in the Queen Mother’s art chamber, laughter occasionally filling the room as they worked.
Beatrice glanced at Riela mischievously before speaking.
“You should settle down soon,” she teased lightly. “Don’t you think my uncle is the best fit for you? I can personally vouch for him.”
Riela shot her an unimpressed look.
But Beatrice only grinned wider before turning toward the Queen Mother.
“Don’t you agree with me, Your Grace?” she asked sweetly. “Isn’t my Uncle Arturo—our great admiral-the most suitable partner for Princess Riela?”
“Of course,” Queen Mother Wilma replied with a warm grin. “But I promised Riela that she would choose her own path in life. She will decide for herself what she wants. At this point, I can only watch and cheer from the sidelines.”
Beatrice pouted slightly when she saw how pleased Riela looked with her mother’s support.
“Well,” she said confidently, lifting her chin a little, “the masquerade ball will be in two days. I’m certain my uncle will stand out enough to catch your attention.”
Riela immediately narrowed her eyes at her suspiciously,
“I know what you’re doing, Beatrice,” she said.
Beatrice blinked innocently before shrugging. “What? Don’t you want to be connected with my family? It would be nice seeing you carry our surname.”
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Riela’s eyes widened instantly, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. “Beatrice!” she scolded, embarrassed. “Stop teasing me.”
But Beatrice only grinned wider, clearly enjoying the reaction. Seeing Riela blush that much meant there was definitely something there.
“Alright, alright,” she finally relented with a playful sigh. “I’ll stop.”
Then she straightened and motioned toward the door, a mischievous spark in her eyes.
“Come now,” she said. “Accompany me somewhere.”