Page 42 of Their Crowned Mate
The doctor waved the wand over my belly and a holographic image came up on the crystal screen. She studied it for a moment before smiling. "Well, congratulations. You're going to be the parents to a baby girl."
"A daughter?" Cole choked out, looking like he was torn between a panic attack and tears of joy. He reached down to touch my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
"That's wonderful," Alexander said with a soft smile. The usually stoic vampire didn't often show sign of emotion, so that made it all the more touching when he finally did. I knew he'd been hoping for a girl.
"Called it," Marcus said with certainty, even though he most certainly had not called it.
"Well, she'll have four dads watching out for her," Aurelius said with a laugh.
My heart skipped excitedly as I stared at the screen, listening to my daughter's fluttering heartbeat. I still couldn't believe it, but now that it finally was sinking in that it was real, I didn't feel afraid or doubtful. I just felt peace and joy unlike anything I'd ever known before.
"So the baby is healthy?" I asked hopefully.
"Yes, she looks perfectly healthy," the doctor said with a smile. "Both you and the baby are, but of course, I want you to keep taking those elixirs I gave you to ensure good health and nutrition throughout the pregnancy. And with the upcoming coronation, it's important to keep your stress down."
"I will," I promised her.
That was easier said than done, but the guys had assured me they would help take over whatever I needed them to as I became more pregnant. My belly was already starting to get in the way whenever I got out of bed, so I figured I was going to have to take them up on that eventually and just wanted to pack in as much now as I possibly could.
The timing probably wasn't ideal, but I got the feeling that being a parent was a lot like becoming Queen. No one was ever really ready, and like Cole had said not too long ago, anyone who thought they were was mistaken.
We were actually doing this. I had never thought a few years ago this was the turn my life had taken, but looking back, I didn't have any regrets. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
We thankedthe doctor and left to go back to the palace. Joram was waiting for us, and as soon as he walked over, he embraced me. His wounds had healed well, and he was expected to make a full recovery, much to my relief.
"So, how did it go?" he asked eagerly.
"Everything is looking great," I answered, rubbing a hand over the swell of my belly. "The baby is healthy. And in a few months' time, you're going to be a grandfather."
His eyes widened and a spark of joy came into them. "A granddaughter?" he asked, a hint of tears in his eyes, which was saying something for the stalwart fae warrior. He hugged me again tightly. "Lavinia, that's wonderful. I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks," I said, smiling as he pulled away.
After giving Joram their own greetings, the guys went off in different directions to return to their duties since all hands on deck were required leading up to the coronation. There were people coming to visit from all over the realm. Even a few dignitaries from outside our realm were rumored to be attending, and all I could do was hope I made a good first impression.
At least my built-in understanding of the fae language was kind of a cheat in that department. The finer points of grammar and cultural idioms were still a challenge that left plenty of room for brushing up, though.
"I'm so happy for you all," Joram said softly, gazing down at me lovingly. "You're going to make wonderful parents."
"I know they will," I said, looking down at my baby bump. "Honestly, part of me is still afraid I'm not ready. For any of this."
"Nonsense," said Joram. "You're just like your mother. Strong and kind. Those are qualities that go a long damn way, and I believe you can do anything you put your mind to. You've already proven that."
"I appreciate that," I said with a sigh. "At the very least, I'm willing to try."
"That's all anyone can ask of you," said Joram.
"So what exactly is this coronation going to entail?" I asked warily.
"I'll get you a program," he assured me. "You can memorize it if you like, since I know you prefer being prepared, but you've already got your lines ready and the rest is just a matter of speaking from the heart."
"Public speaking has never really been my thing," I admitted.
"Mine either," he said with a chuckle. "But you'd be surprised at how you can perform when the pressure is on."
"So many people are going to be there, though," I said, following him over to the counter of the grand dining room. A servant appeared immediately, pouring me a juice and seltzer mixture that hit just the spot. "I'm sure plenty of them have their misgivings about me taking over."
"You're the talk of the realm," he insisted. "And while there are always going to be naysayers, that's just a fact of life. The vast majority tell tale of the brave princess who traversed realms to overthrow a tyrannical emperor who enslaved his people, alongside her valiant mates."
