Chapter 28

The grand hall was bathed in golden light, the towering stained glass windows casting colorful patterns across the polished marble floor. Heavy velvet banners, embroidered with the crests of both kingdoms, hung proudly from the high ceilings. The air was thick with the scent of incense and fresh flowers, a serene contrast to the heavy anticipation lingering among the gathered nobles and royal family members.

At the center of it all, Alex and Max sat side by side on ornate golden chairs, their newborn daughter cradled in Max's arms. Little Ana as both her parents named her was swaddled in a pristine white silk blanket, her tiny face barely visible as she dozed peacefully, unaware of the weight of the moment.

The priest stood before them, draped in flowing robes of deep crimson and gold, holding an ancient tome in one hand and a small golden staff in the other. His voice carried authority and reverence as he began to speak.

“Today, we gather in the presence of the stars, under their eternal gaze, to bless this child born of love, unity, and strength. This little one, Princess Ana, carries a light within her—a light that will guide not just her path, but the paths of those around her.”

The hall was silent, save for the faint crackling of candles and the priest’s steady voice.

“She will be blessed with the gift of knowledge, sharp and unyielding. A mind that seeks answers, a spirit that craves wisdom. She will be a great student, her intellect surpassing even those who teach her.”

Max’s arms tightened slightly around Ana as a small, proud smile flickered across his tired face. Alex’s hand rested gently on Max’s thigh, offering silent support.

“She will be a leader,” the priest continued. “Strong-willed and just, guiding her people with fairness and compassion. And when the time comes, she will stand as a warrior—not just in battle, but in spirit. She will fight for what is right, for her people, and for her family.”

The crowd murmured softly in approval, heads nodding among the sea of glittering crowns and jewels. But in one corner of the hall, Alex’s aunt sat stiffly, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her gaze flickered briefly toward the child in Max’s arms, and then away, her disapproval clear even in her silence.

On the other side, Max’s sister-in-law sat beside King Julian, her expression similarly unreadable. Though her hands were clasped politely in her lap, her eyes held a faint glimmer of something unspoken—something sharp and cold.

The priest raised his staff slightly, drawing attention back to him. “And in love… oh, she will know love. A love that will bring her joy and peace. And when the stars align, she will share her life with a woman—a bond unbreakable, destined by the heavens themselves.”

Max let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. Alex’s hand squeezed his gently, their shared relief unspoken but deeply felt.

The priest lowered his staff and stepped forward, reaching out a careful hand to touch Ana’s tiny forehead. “May the stars guide you, Princess Ana. May your light never dim, and may your heart remain pure and brave.”

With that, the ceremony’s formalities were complete, and applause rippled softly through the hall. The attendants moved carefully, placing golden bowls of ceremonial oils and flowers at the priest's feet before stepping back.

As the crowd began to settle into quieter conversations, Alex leaned closer to Max, his eyes flickering briefly toward his aunt, who now spoke in hushed tones to her husband, her face still pinched with discontent. “She didn’t even try to hide it, did she?” Alex muttered under his breath.

Max followed his gaze briefly before turning his attention back to Ana. “Let her frown all she wants,” he said softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Ana’s forehead. “She doesn’t matter—not to us, not to her.”

From across the hall, Max’s sister-in-law caught Alex’s gaze for the briefest moment before looking away, her expression unreadable.

The weight of the ceremony still hung in the air, but for Alex and Max, the world had narrowed down to the small bundle in Max’s arms. Ana stirred slightly, letting out a tiny sigh as she nestled deeper into the silk blanket.

“She’s perfect,” Alex whispered, his voice barely audible.

“She is,” Max replied, his eyes soft with love and exhaustion.

And despite the quiet tensions lingering in the corners of the hall, despite the unspoken disapproval etched into a few faces, there was no denying the warmth, the love, and the promise of hope that radiated from the little family seated at the center of it all.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the kingdom. The night was quiet, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the cool breeze and the distant murmur of the royal estate. Inside the chambers, Max lay asleep, utterly exhausted from the events of the day. The weight of labor, the tension, the joy, and the ceremony had drained him, leaving him deep in slumber.

But Alex—Alex couldn’t sleep. He hadn’t been able to since the moment Ana was born, since the very first time he held her in his arms. Now, as he stood by the balcony, cradling their daughter against his chest, he couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to her, a bond stronger than anything he had ever known.

Ana, wide-eyed and alert, gazed up at her father. Her small hands, delicate and perfect, moved restlessly, fingers curling around the fabric of Alex’s tunic. Her eyes, dark and curious, were full of wonder. She hadn’t fallen asleep yet—her small body was full of energy, and the world around her seemed so new.

Alex smiled softly, rocking her gently as he stood at the edge of the balcony. The cool night air kissed his skin, but he didn’t feel the cold. Not while holding her.

“You’re still wide awake, huh?” he murmured to her, his voice soft and full of warmth. His heart swelled as Ana let out a soft coo, as though answering him. He chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I can’t blame you. This world is so much to take in, isn’t it?”

He shifted her in his arms, lifting her slightly so she could see the star-filled sky stretching above them. The night was vast and endless, the stars twinkling like diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas.

“This is the sky that will always be here for you, Ana,” Alex said, his voice low but full of wonder. “This is the sky I used to look at when I was your age. Not knowing how much it could mean to me, not knowing the future it held.”

He sighed softly, taking a slow breath as he stared at the stars, his eyes tracing constellations that had become familiar to him over the years. “I used to think I would never have a family like this. Never have a love as deep as the one I share with your father.” His chest tightened as he spoke Max’s name, the warmth of it filling him.

Turning his gaze down to Ana’s tiny face, he couldn’t help but smile. “Your father... He’s the most beautiful person I know. He’s strong, stronger than anyone I’ve ever met.” He ran a finger gently over Ana’s soft cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin against his touch. “You’ve inherited his beauty, you know. You’re just like him in so many ways. But, I think you’re going to be even more than he is. You’re going to be someone amazing, Ana. I just know it.”

Ana blinked up at him, her tiny mouth curving into a faint smile. She didn’t understand the words, but she was listening. And her eyes, so full of life, met his with a quiet understanding that Alex couldn’t quite explain.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking slightly as he looked down at her. “I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you first. I went to Max first, because... well, he was the one in pain. And I needed to make sure he was okay.” His voice faltered, but he quickly steadied himself. “But you, Ana, you’re my world now. You’re the reason I keep breathing, the reason I keep going. I’ve never known love like this, never known that a single moment could change everything.”

Ana’s little hands reached out slightly, as though sensing the emotions swirling in her father’s voice. She kicked her legs a little, her soft giggles filling the space between them.

Alex chuckled softly, wiping away the stray tear that had slipped down his cheek. “You’re just like your father, already trying to make me smile.” He kissed her tiny forehead, the warmth of her skin calming the storm of emotions inside him.

“I don’t know what the future holds, Ana,” he continued, his voice filled with quiet certainty. “But I promise you, I will always be here. No matter what. Your father will be here. We’ll protect you, we’ll love you, and we’ll make sure you always know how special you are.”

Ana gurgled again, her small mouth opening in a yawn before she settled against her father’s chest, as if the sound of his voice was lulling her into a peaceful calm.

Alex sighed deeply, his heart swelling with love, a love so overwhelming it felt as though it would burst from his chest. “I can’t even begin to explain how much I love you, little one. You’ve brought something into my life that I never thought possible. You’ve made everything make sense.”

He looked back up at the stars, his gaze softening. “I used to be so lost, Ana. But now, I have you. I have your father. And nothing will ever tear us apart.”

The night stretched on in peaceful silence, save for the sound of Ana’s gentle breaths and the rustling of the leaves in the breeze.

And as Alex stood there on the balcony, holding his daughter close, he realized something. He had once thought he could never find happiness in such a way, but Ana—Ana had changed everything. She had brought the missing piece to his heart. And no matter what came next, no matter the struggles or challenges ahead, Alex knew he would always hold her close. Always protect her.

The sky above them was endless, and so was the love Alex felt for his daughter. The bond between them, forged in the quiet of the night, was unbreakable, destined to grow stronger with every passing day.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the kingdom. The night was quiet, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the cool breeze and the distant murmur of the royal estate. Inside the chambers, Max lay asleep, utterly exhausted from the events of the day. The weight of labor, the tension, the joy, and the ceremony had drained him, leaving him deep in slumber.