Claimed By The Tyrant King

King Adrian also came forward to check on his daughter. Seeing Rosalind resting safely in bed eased the weight he had been carrying all night. After greeting her warmly and making sure she was comfortable, he turned his attention to Rowan.

"I shouldn’t have tried to stop you," he said with quiet sincerity.

Rowan shook his head. "I’m sure you were only concerned," he replied, hoping to ease the man’s lingering regret.

Adrian nodded slowly before a faint smile appeared on his face. "That may be true, but seeing everything that happened today..." He paused, glancing toward his daughter before looking back at Rowan. "It only gives me more reasons to be grateful that my daughter married a man like you... I have no doubt the two of you will raise a wonderful family together, and you have my wholehearted blessing."

Rowan accepted the words with quiet humility, lowering his head respectfully. "Thank you, father"

Adrian placed a firm hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle pat before leaving the couple to themselves.

He walked back to stand beside Catarina, who looked at him curiously. "What was that about?" she asked.

Adrian let out a slow sigh before answering.

"He wanted to go inside while Rosalind was in labour, and I almost stopped him."

"Why?" Catarina asked, though she already suspected the answer.

"I was worried the sight would be too much for him," Adrian admitted. "Besides, kings usually aren’t meant to enter the birthing chamber."

Catarina raised an amused eyebrow. "You mean you thought he would go into shock... just like you did when I was giving birth to Marek?"

A look of embarrassment crossed Adrian’s face immediately.

How could he forget that?

Despite everyone’s attempts to keep him outside, he had insisted on being with his wife. The moment he stepped into the chamber and saw the amount of blood, his face had turned pale before his knees gave way beneath him. It had taken several people to help him back outside while Catarina, despite being in labour herself, was stunned at the ridiculous sight. He wasn’t even the one in her position.

Ever since that day, Adrian had always said there was no warrior stronger than a woman giving birth. No battlefield he had ever stood on could compare to the strength it took to bring a child into the world.

"You really didn’t have to remind me of that," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "It’s embarrassing enough that everyone still remembers it."

Catarina smiled to herself and Adrian glanced toward Rowan, who was still sitting beside Rosalind.

"I have to admit," he said thoughtfully, "he’s even stronger than I gave him credit for. With all the admirable qualities he already possesses, I truly don’t think we could have found a more suitable husband for our daughter."

Catarina nodded in quiet agreement, and together they watched the room fill with warmth, laughter, and the joyful celebration of the two newest members of their family.

****

Rebecca glanced at Cedric and could barely hold back her amusement. He looked utterly terrified as he cradled the baby in his arms, his movements stiff and his hands trembling as though he feared the little one might slip from his grasp at any moment.

"Goodness... You need help," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Cedric let out a helpless sigh without taking his eyes off the tiny bundle in his arms. "Absolutely, Rebecca," he admitted. "Thank goodness you’re here."

Rebecca stepped closer and gently adjusted the position of his hands, showing him how to support the baby’s head properly. "There," she said softly. "Now you’re holding the little one just right."

Cedric glanced down again before letting out a relieved breath.

"What would you do have done without me, Cedric?" Rebecca asked with quiet amusement as she looked up at him.

He shook his head with a weary smile. "I honestly don’t know, Rebecca."

Her smile widened a little before she lowered her gaze to the baby resting peacefully in her own arms. Standing side by side, they admired the two sleeping infants, each of them holding one child.

"They’re absolutely beautiful," Cedric murmured.

Rebecca nodded in agreement. "The Prince and Princess of Eryndor," she said softly, almost as though she was saying it to herself.

Cedric looked at the two babies once more before muttering, "They truly are"

"Mother, it’s my turn too," Julian said eagerly, reminding everyone that he was still waiting patiently nearby.

Rebecca looked at him and smiled. "Alright, alright."

A short while later, the babies were in the beautifully crafted cradle and once they were settled comfortably together, Rebecca rested a gentle hand on Julian’s shoulder. "Well?" she asked with an expectant smile. "What do you think?"

Julian looked from the little boy to the little girl, his eyes shining with excitement. For some reason, seeing the twins together made his heart swell. It almost felt as though he had been given younger siblings of his own.

He already found himself wondering how long it would take before they could run through the palace with him.

Perhaps one day the little prince would practice swordplay beside him, while the little princess might watch them... or perhaps decide to join in herself.

He turned toward his mother. "Does this mean I’m their cousin?"

Rebecca couldn’t help smiling. Sometimes she wondered how her son always managed to ask the sweetest questions. "Yes, dear... You are their first cousin" she replied with a nod.

Julian sniffled before turning back to the cradle. "My name is Julian," he announced proudly. "I’m your cousin, and I swear to protect and look after both of you."

"That’s so sweet," Rosalind murmured from the bed as everyone watched the little boy with fond smiles.

Rebecca gently ruffled Julian’s hair.

He leaned closer to the cradle and lowered his voice as though sharing a very important secret. "I just want you both to grow up quickly so we can play all around the palace together... alright?"

The twins, of course, remained peacefully asleep, wrapped snugly in their blankets without so much as opening their eyes.

"They heard you," Rebecca said with a soft laugh.

The warmth of the moment spread through the room, and laughter followed from everyone present. After the room gradually settled into a comfortable silence, Queen Catarina looked toward the couple. "Have you already decided on the children’s names?"

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