Claimed By The Tyrant King

Every eye turned toward Rowan and Rosalind. The two of them exchanged a quiet glance before their fingers intertwined once again.

They smiled at one another before speaking together. "Prince Leander... and Princess Estelle."

A chorus of delighted congratulations filled the chamber as the names were warmly welcomed by everyone present.

****

Over the following days, the bells rang joyfully throughout the kingdom, announcing the birth of Eryndor’s newest prince and princess. The news spread quickly, and before long, celebrations were held across the capital.

The grand halls of the royal palace were lavishly decorated as nobles and commoners alike gathered to share in the royal family’s happiness. Tables overflowed with food and fine wine, music echoed through every corner of the palace, and the dance floor remained filled with people celebrating long into the day.

It was a magnificent celebration, and the entire kingdom rejoiced alongside their king and queen as they welcomed Prince Leander and Princess Estelle into the world.

"A toast to Prince Leander and Princess Estelle."

Rowan’s voice rose above the lively chatter as everyone in the grand hall lifted their glasses into the air. The moment the King took the first sip, the rest of the guests followed, raising their own drinks before cheerful applause and joyous voices filled the palace. The celebration echoed through the magnificent hall with such enthusiasm that it almost seemed as though their happiness could reach the skies.

Rowan turned to Rosalind with a gentle smile that only she seemed to bring out of him. "To my beautiful wife..." he said.

Rosalind’s lips curved warmly. "And to my loving husband," she replied with a soft chuckle before their glasses met with a quiet clink, and they drank together.

As soon as Rowan lowered his glass, his attention returned to her as naturally as breathing. "Are you doing fine? I mean... if this is becoming too much for you, we can retire now."

Rosalind let out a breath as she glanced at him, "Don’t start again."

"I’m only worried about you, love." He said as he reached for her hand and caressed it with his thumb.

"I know," she answered with a sigh.

Rowan also knew he was acting quite overprotective... but who wouldn’t in his situation?

"Please... let me do my job of taking care of you, okay?" He said and she quietly nodded her head just so that he could let the matter go but it was obvious from the way his eyes lingered on her that he was still concerned.

Before he could say anything else, Rosalind’s gaze wandered through the crowd until it landed on a familiar figure approaching them. Her eyes immediately brightened. "Marek."

"I thought you were busy," she said as soon as he reached them. "Didn’t you have a mountain of work in Merovia?"

"I did," Marek admitted with an apologetic smile, "but I’d already spent too much time away from you. I wanted to finish everything as quickly as possible so I could come and see my sister."

The two embraced warmly, and when he stepped back, Marek took a proper look at her. Her hair had been gathered into a neat low bun, with two loose strands resting gracefully beside her face. Although childbirth had taken its toll on her, happiness suited her beautifully, and seeing her standing there healthy and smiling brought him more relief than he could put into words.

"I brought more gifts for you," he said.

Rosalind narrowed her eyes playfully. "Don’t think that makes up for disappearing all this time."

"Absolutely not," he admitted with a laugh. "But I was hoping it might earn me a little forgiveness."

She laughed with him before Marek turned toward Rowan. "Brother-in-law... it’s been quite a while."

"It has," Rowan replied with a smile as they shook hands. "It’s good to see you again."

Before their conversation could continue, another familiar voice reached Rosalind. "Sophia?"

She froze for a brief moment before turning around, surprise spreading across her face. "Nathan... You came too?"

Nathan nodded. "Marek mentioned he was coming, and I realized I’d missed quite a lot myself. I thought I’d come to see you this once... Hopefully I won’t be causing any trouble."

Rosalind shook her head almost immediately. "You don’t have to say things like that. We’ve known each other since we were children, Nathan, and I’m genuinely happy you came to see me. Thank you."

A relieved smile spread across his face, but before he could reply, he suddenly felt an unmistakably cold stare fixed on him.

He turned instinctively and found Rowan watching him.

At first, Rowan hadn’t paid him much attention...Then recognition settled in.

Nathan.

The Duke from Merovia... The very same man who had unknowingly stirred his jealousy all that time ago.

Nathan possessed many of the qualities Rosalind had once wanted, and seeing how comfortably the two of them spoke back then had nearly convinced Rowan that he had already lost her. Looking back now, he was thankful he had never allowed those jealous thoughts to control him because acting on them would only have pushed Rosalind further away. Keeping his composure had been one of the strongest things he had ever done.

"Your Majesty," Nathan greeted respectfully.

Rowan acknowledged him with a small nod, although the warmth that had been on his face only moments earlier had noticeably faded.

For a brief moment, he looked at Nathan before speaking. "So... did you come to congratulate my wife and I?"

Nathan blinked. "...Of course."

For reasons he couldn’t explain, the simple question suddenly made him feel strangely flustered.

At that very moment, Rosalind felt Rowan’s arm slip naturally around her waist and heat instantly rushed to her cheeks.

... What he was doing?

Standing nearby, Marek watched the exchange without interrupting, and the amusement dancing in his eyes became impossible to hide.

Nathan cleared his throat awkwardly. "Ahem... yes, of course. I came to congratulate Your Majesties."

Only then did Rowan extend his hand.

Nathan accepted it without hesitation, but the moment their hands met, Rowan’s grip tightened just enough for the other man to understand the silent message behind it.

"Thank you," Rowan said with a pleasant smile that somehow made the handshake feel far more intimidating. "The mother of my children and I truly appreciate your congratulations."

Rosalind glanced at him in surprise, warmth spreading across her cheeks.

To everyone else, Rowan had remained as calm and courteous as ever, but she knew exactly what he was doing. He hadn’t said a single possessive word, yet somehow he had managed to say everything.

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