Page 53 of Royal Love
“Even more than that,” he confirms solemnly. “Today you brought our daughter into the world. Nothing will ever top that.”
I glance over at Eleanor, watching the rise and fall of her tiny chest. “It doesn’t feel real yet.”
“It will,” he assures me. “Probably around three in the morning when she decides it’s time to eat again.”
I laugh softly, careful not to wake her. “At least we have an army of nannies waiting at the palace.”
“True,” he agrees. “But for these first few days, I thought maybe it could just be us. The three of us, figuring things out together.”
The suggestion touches me deeply. Despite the demands of running a country, despite the traditions and protocols that usually dictate our lives, Tristan wants these precious early days to be ours alone.
“I’d like that,” I whisper, leaning my head against his shoulder.
As sleep begins to claim me, I think about the journey that brought us here—from reluctant royal bride to queen, from wary strangers to partners, from husband and wife to parents. None of it has been easy. Some of it has been downright terrifying. But all of it, every step, has been worth it.
Eleanor stirs in her sleep, making a tiny mewling sound that immediately draws both our attention. We watch, breath held, as she settles back into dreams, her perfect little face peaceful.
“We did good,” I murmur, my eyes growing heavier.
“We did amazing,” Tristan corrects me, his voice thick with emotion. “And this is just the beginning.”
As I drift toward sleep in the arms of my husband, our daughter sleeping peacefully beside us, I can’t help but think he’sright. This isn’t an ending—it’s a beginning. The start of a new chapter in our story, one filled with new challenges and joys, fears and triumphs.
And despite the uncertainties that lie ahead, I know one thing with absolute certainty. As long as we have each other, we can face anything. King and queen. Husband and wife. Father and mother.
Family.
CHAPTER 28
TRISTAN
A soft cry penetrates my consciousness, pulling me from the light doze I’ve fallen into. My eyes snap open to find Amelia smiling down at our daughter, Eleanor, who’s nestled in her arms. The sight still takes my breath away—my wife, my queen, holding our child. Our miracle.
“I think she’s hungry,” Amelia whispers, her voice tired but filled with so much love it makes my chest ache.
I check my watch. “The doctor should be here soon to discharge you both.” I move to sit on the edge of the hospital bed, carefully placing my hand on Eleanor’s tiny head. Her dark hair is so soft beneath my fingers. “I can’t believe we get to take her home today.”
“Me either,” Amelia murmurs, leaning against me slightly. “I’m a little terrified, to be honest.”
I press a kiss to her temple. “We’ll figure it out together.”
A knock at the door interrupts us, and Shannon pokes her head in. “Good morning, Your Majesties. I’ve brought everything for the queen to get ready.”
“Perfect timing,” I say, carefully taking Eleanor from Amelia’s arms. “I have a diaper to tackle while you help my wife.”
Shannon laughs as she enters with a garment bag. “Are you sure you don’t want me to handle that, sir?”
“Absolutely not.” I cradle Eleanor against my chest, marveling at how such a tiny human can command so much of my heart already. “The King of Haldonia changes his own daughter’s diapers.”
Amelia’s laughter follows me as I make my way to the changing table set up in the corner of the private hospital suite. A nurse had shown me the basics yesterday, but this is my first solo attempt. I lay Eleanor down carefully, and she immediately begins to fuss.
“I know, princess,” I murmur, keeping one hand gently on her chest while I gather supplies with the other. “Daddy’s going to make this quick.”
Eleanor’s cry grows a bit louder, and I feel a momentary flash of panic. “It’s all right,” I say, more to myself than to her. “We’ve got this.”
I unfasten the tabs on her diaper with what I hope is confident precision, though my hands feel too large and clumsy for such a delicate task. The nurse’s instructions replay in my mind as I clean her, apply cream, and slide a fresh diaper beneath her.
“Almost done, little one,” I promise as she wriggles beneath my hands. When I finally secure the tabs, I let out a triumphant breath. “There! Not bad for a first solo mission, right?”
