AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I agree," Queen Beatrice affirmed, bending to place a kiss upon the baby's velvety cheek. "She is the perfect blend of Theron and Allenia's hope. Our second grandchild, and we are beyond grateful, for she is the legacy of peace we shall leave behind."
The king and queen stepped back, clasping hands as they joined the circle of well-wishers. The room breathed in unison—a collective sigh of contentment—every heart entwined in the moment's significance.
"Perhaps she'll wield the diplomatic charm of her grandfather or the astute resolve of her grandmother," Bernard said.
"Or perhaps," Eloise replied, her laughter bubbling up like a clear spring, "she will surpass us all, forging her own path. As long as she loves books as much as I do, I know she’ll be happy."
In the bright eyes of the infant princess lay not just the promise of two kingdoms united, but the enduring power of a love that had already conquered much and promised even more.
That morning, as people throughout Allenia woke and went about their business, they all read the news the entire nation had been waiting for. "Queen Eloise and King Bernard are blessed with new life—a baby girl, heir to the throne, and symbol of unity!"
From the cobblestone streets to the rolling fields beyond, the news cascaded like a joyous melody. The people of Theron, from bakers to blacksmiths, donned their finest attire and filled the air with exuberant cheers. Bunting in shades of gold and blue—signifying both Theron and Allenia—fluttered from windows and wrapped around lampposts, as if the very buildings themselves were celebrating.
In Allenia, the announcement was met with equal fervor. Eloise could hardly contain a giggle as Bernard attempted to wave regally to the throngs of well-wishers. His usual stoic demeanor had given way to an uncharacteristic buoyancy, and his arm seemed to have developed a mind of its own, much to the amusement of both his wife and onlookers.
"Bernard, darling," Eloise whispered, "you look as though you're conducting an orchestra rather than greeting your people."
"Ha! And you, my love," he returned with a grin, "bear the grace of a queen and the mischievous spark of a jester. Our daughter has inherited quite the realm."
Together, they traversed the streets, their infant swaddled in a blanket embroidered with the intertwined crests of their nations. The baby content in her carriage. Each village square became a theater of jubilation. Everyone was happy that the next queen of Allenia had been born.
"May she grow to be as wise as King Phillip and as kind-hearted as Queen Rachel!" a baker exclaimed as she offered a tray of sweets shaped like doves and olive branches.
"May she lead us into a future where Theron and Allenia are not just allies but family," a farmer added.
The journey took them through valleys and up winding hills, from the bustle of city centers to the quiet of the countryside. With each step, the prince and princess grew ever more cognizant of the depth of their responsibility, not only to their child but to the hopes of their people.
"Look at them, Bernard," Eloise murmured as they paused to admire a mural depicting their wedding day, now completed with a cherubic infant painted into the scene. "They believe in us, in her, so fiercely."
"Then we must be worthy of that belief," Bernard replied firmly. "We will do all we can to believe it ourselves, and more importantly, we will teach her to believe it. She will not betray her country as my cousins have."
The laughter of the crowd followed them, a testament to the love that had transcended borders and titles. In the eyes of every citizen, there was a spark—an undeniable recognition that the baby princess was far more than just an heir. She was the living proof that love, when paired with compassion and strength, could indeed build a legacy that would echo through the ages.
ELOISE'S FINGERS TRACED the delicate contours of their child's face, following the soft curve of a rosy cheek with the gentlest touch. A coo slipped from the infant's lips. In response to this precious noise, Eloise leaned closer, her heart swelling so immensely it threatened to breach the confines of her chest.
"Did you hear that, my love?" she whispered, her voice buoyant with wonder. "She is already speaking in her own way, as if she knows the language of joy."
Bernard stood by, his gaze fastened on the two loves of his life with an intensity that bordered on reverence. He reached out, his finger gently coaxing another smile from their baby girl, hechuckled softly when she grasped his finger in her tiny hand.
"Strong grip," Bernard observed, a note of pride threading his words. "A sign of her future resolve, perhaps?"
"Or simply her way of telling her papa that she will never let go," Eloise replied.
Amid the laughter, the nursery door opened to reveal a servant carrying yet another ornate package wrapped in silk ribbons. The room was awash with tokens of affection—plush toys embroidered with the crests of distant lands, woven blankets bearing messages of peace, and silver rattles engraved with wishes for prosperity. Each gift was a testament to the goodwill that had flourished since the birth of their daughter.
"From the Sultan of Seraphina," the servant announced, placing the gift among its lavish counterparts.
"Please extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sultan," Bernard said. "We are humbled by the generosity that has been shown to us, not only as royalty but as parents."
"Yes," Eloise agreed, her gaze sweeping over the nursery filled with well-wishes. "To know our child will be embraced by such warmth from every corner of the earth...it gives me hope that she shall grow up in a world where love is the greatest currency."
"May it be so," Bernard murmured.
COURTIERS LINED THE grand hall, their whispers fading into silence as Queen Eloise, resplendent in her gown of emerald, stepped forward cradling the symbol of a new era in her arms. King Bernard, his uniform adorned with the medals of both Theron and Allenia, stood by her side.
"Dear friends," Eloise began. "We stand before you today with hearts brimming over.”
"We do," Bernard said, his hand resting lightly on Eloise's shoulder. "We are here to present not only our beloved daughter, but the future shared between our nations."
