Chapter 11: The Final Countdown

The days were slipping by faster than Amaria had anticipated. With the wedding now just a week away, everything was coming together, though it felt like a whirlwind. The palace was buzzing with activity, from finalizing the decorations to ensuring that every guest was accounted for, every detail flawless.

Amaria, however, found herself lost in the quiet moments between the chaos. She had moved into the palace, staying in one of the guest suites until the wedding. The room was grand but warm, with sunlight streaming through tall windows and casting a soft glow across the velvet curtains. Yet, as much as the palace offered luxury, it was the small, personal touches she had added to the space—fresh flowers, a few cherished books, the scent of her favorite candle—that made it feel like her own.

She sat at a small desk by the window now, her fingers absently tracing the edge of a delicate silver pen. The sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway outside her door, and Amaria glanced up just as the door creaked open.

It was Prince Alexander, his small form standing in the doorway, looking hesitant yet eager. His dark eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of sadness and hope.

"Amaria," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Amaria's heart swelled at the sight of him. He looked so much like his father in his royal attire, but there was a softness in his gaze that reminded her of the child he still was.

"Alexander," she said warmly, rising from her chair. "What brings you here, little one?"

"I miss you," he said quietly, his small voice laced with vulnerability. "You haven't been around much lately."

Amaria's heart broke at the innocent honesty in his words. She knelt down to his level, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "I've been busy getting ready for the wedding," she explained gently, "but I'll always have time for you."

He seemed to consider her words for a moment before his eyes brightened. "Will you be my mama?" he asked suddenly, his voice filled with hope.

The question hit Amaria like a wave, and she felt a lump form in her throat. She had been preparing herself for this moment, but hearing it come from him—so pure, so unguarded—made her feel an overwhelming mix of emotions. She had grown so fond of the little boy, and the idea of becoming his mother, truly, was both a joy and a responsibility she wasn't sure she was fully prepared for.

But looking at him, she realized it wasn't just a responsibility—it was an honor.

She pulled him into a gentle embrace, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "I would love to be your mama, Alexander," she whispered, her voice full of warmth and tenderness. "You're going to be such an amazing son."

He smiled, his face lighting up with a happiness that made Amaria's heart swell. In that moment, she knew that no matter how overwhelming the wedding or the royal duties would be, this little boy was what truly mattered. She was ready for this, ready to be his mother, ready to marry King Knox and create a family that would carry them through the years ahead.

A few days later, the final preparations began in earnest. The palace grounds were being decorated with lavish floral arrangements and tapestries, and the royal seamstress brought Amaria her dress—an exquisite creation of silk and lace that sparkled under the light. Every detail was being carefully attended to, but through it all, Amaria couldn't help but feel the weight of what was coming.

The wedding wasn't just an event. It was the beginning of a new life. For her, for Alexander, for Knox.

The night before the wedding, as Amaria stood at the window of her suite, gazing out at the vast grounds of the palace, she felt a quiet sense of calm wash over her. The nerves were still there, but they were mixed with excitement and anticipation. She was about to marry the King of Eldoria, a man she had come to respect and care for deeply, and start a new chapter with him and his son.

When she turned away from the window, she found herself face-to-face with King Knox, who had come to check on her before the big day. He was dressed in a simple tunic, his expression unreadable as always, but there was a softness in his eyes as he gazed at her.

"Amaria," he said softly, his voice low. "Are you ready?"

She smiled, feeling the weight of the moment. "I think I am," she said, her voice steady. "It's all happening so quickly, but I'm ready. Ready for whatever comes next."

Knox stepped closer, his presence calming her in a way she hadn't expected. "Tomorrow will be the start of a new chapter," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "And we'll face it together."

Amaria nodded, her hand finding his. "Together."

Tomorrow, the kingdom would witness their union, but tonight, it was just the two of them. And in this moment, she realized that despite all the uncertainty, despite the weight of her new role, she felt truly at peace. Tomorrow would be the first day of their new life, and with it, Amaria knew that she was ready for the family they were about to build.

The next day, as Amaria stood in front of the grand doors to the chapel, dressed in her wedding gown, she felt a surge of emotion. Everything had led to this moment. And when the doors opened, revealing King Knox standing at the altar with Alexander beside him, she knew this was just the beginning.