Heir to the throne

The days following Sky and Nani's wedding were a whirlwind of royal duties and endless meetings. Their honeymoon was postponed for a week, much to their mutual dismay, but duty called. Sky, now an official member of the royal family, was busy signing documents and attending meetings to solidify his new role. Despite the packed schedule, his usual charisma and charm made him an instant favorite among the palace staff and the public.

---

It was during one such official gathering that Nani overheard whispers from a group of nobles.

"Sky's just a lucky brat," one of them sneered, their voice dripping with disdain. "He's done nothing to deserve this. And now there won't even be a proper heir-just some adopted child."

Nani's blood boiled. How dare they speak of Sky this way? His husband was brave, skilled, and had a heart of gold. He wanted to storm over and give them a piece of his mind, but instead, he clenched his fists and looked for Sky, hoping his husband hadn't heard those vile words.

What he found made him pause and laugh softly.

Sky was seated at a table with the queen, happily stuffing his face with desserts. His cheeks were puffed like a chipmunk, and his eyes sparkled with childlike joy as he sampled everything from tiramisu to éclairs.

The queen watched him with an indulgent smile, offering him another plate. "Try this one, Sky. It's a family recipe."

Sky grinned. "If it's your recipe, Your Majesty, it must be amazing."

"Sky, you can call me Mom now," she corrected, patting his hand affectionately.

Nani couldn't help but chuckle. Sky didn't even hear the rumors, let alone care about them. That was who Sky was-optimistic, carefree, and filled with a light that no one could dim.

---

Later that day, Nani went to his father, the king. The two had always shared a close bond, but Nani had never spoken to him about what he was about to propose.

"Father," Nani began, his tone serious, "I've made a decision. I want Sky to take the crown and not me. I want him to be the king and I will be a co-king or more like his consort."

The king blinked, his expression a mixture of surprise and concern. "Sky? Are you certain, Nani? This is not a small matter. The kingdom's future depends on the ruler we choose."

"I know, Father," Nani said firmly. "That's why I want it to be Sky. He has the heart of a leader, the strength of a protector, and the wisdom to guide this kingdom. People need to see that even someone from humble beginnings can rise to the highest position. It will inspire hope and unity."

The king studied his son for a long moment before nodding. "If this is what you truly want, Nani, then I will support you. But it will not be easy to convince Sky."

---

When Nani told Sky about his decision, Sky was shocked. "You want me to take the throne?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Yes," Nani said softly. "You're more than capable, Sky. You'll be an amazing king."

Sky shook his head, his hands running through his hair. "Nani, I'm not royalty. I'm just a guy who knows how to fight and protect people. I don't care if people respect me or not. I don't need a crown for that."

"That's exactly why you deserve it," Nani argued, his voice firm but gentle. "You don't crave power or titles. You care about people, Sky. That's what makes you worthy."

Sky looked at him, doubt clouding his eyes. "What if I fail? What if I let you down? The kingdom doesn't need someone like me."

Nani stepped closer, cupping Sky's face in his hands. "Sky, you could never let me down. I trust you with my life, and I know you'll make a great king. And you won't be alone-I'll be by your side every step of the way."

For a long moment, Sky stared into Nani's eyes, searching for reassurance. Finally, he leaned forward, resting his forehead against Nani's.

"Do you really think I can do this?" he asked softly.

"I know you can," Nani whispered, his voice filled with unwavering faith.

Sky closed his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Okay," he said at last. "I'll do it. But only because you believe in me and you will be with me."

---

When the news broke, it sent shockwaves through the kingdom. Sky, the former bodyguard, was to be crowned as the future king alongside Nani. The announcement was met with a mix of surprise and joy, but as the initial shock wore off, the kingdom erupted in celebration.

The decision resonated with people from all walks of life. For the first time, they saw a future where anyone could dream of greatness, where titles and lineage didn't define a person's worth. Sky became a symbol of hope, a living testament to the idea that love, hard work, and character were what truly mattered.

Social media exploded with hashtags like #KingSky and #SkyNaniRule, and news outlets around the world praised the royal family's progressive stance.

---

Later that night, after the celebrations had quieted down, Sky and Nani sat on the balcony of their chambers, overlooking the glowing city below.

Sky leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It still feels surreal," he admitted. "A few years ago, I was just a bodyguard. And now I'm... this."

Nani smiled, reaching over to take Sky's hand. "You're more than just 'this,' Sky. You're my husband, my partner, my everything. And now, you're going to be the king this kingdom needs."

Sky looked at him, his eyes filled with gratitude and love. "I couldn't do it without you, Nani."

"You won't have to," Nani said softly.

Sky leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Nani's forehead. "Thank you for believing in me. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I promise I'll do everything I can to make you proud."

Nani laughed quietly, resting his head on Sky's shoulder. "You've already made me proud, Sky. Just by being you."

---

As the days passed, the kingdom's excitement only grew. Sky and Nani's story became a beacon of hope for people everywhere. Their love, their faith in each other, and their willingness to break traditions for the greater good inspired countless individuals.

Children in the streets played pretend, one of them always taking the role of "King Sky," while their friends cheered them on. Families spoke of dreams that now felt within reach, and people from all over the world looked to the kingdom as a symbol of progress and love.

Through it all, Sky and Nani stood together, their love unwavering. They knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they also knew that as long as they had each other, they could face anything.

Their journey was far from over, but one thing was certain: they were ready to take on the future, hand in hand.