From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 198

Chapter 198

“Morning, my queen.”

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I felt warm lips press against my forehead before I even opened my eyes. Caelan’s voice was soft, careful not to startle me awake.

“Mm.” I stretched lazily, immediately noticing the pregnancy book folded shut beside him on the nightstand. “You’re reading those books again?

“I want to learn how to take better care of you both.” He looked almost embarrassed as he moved the book further away. “The doctor said the first three months are the most critical.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Two months had passed since we’d moved into Blackwood Castle together after the wedding, and honestly? I felt amazing. No morning sickness, no overwhelming fatigue – just the normal tiredness that came with growing a tiny

person.

“Our baby is being very considerate,” I teased, sitting up slowly. “Hardly any morning sickness at all.”

“She knows better than to torture her mom.” Caelan’s hand moved to my still-small bump with reverence. “Smart girl.”

She. We’d found out the gender at our last appointment, and Caelan had been over the moon ever since. A daughter. He kept saying she’d be beautiful like me but strong like him, and honestly? The way his eyes lit up when he talked about her made my heart do funny things.

But the man had become absolutely ridiculous about taking care of me.

Like, embarrassingly overprotective.

just yesterday, I’d watched him transform from commanding Lycan King to worried husband in the span of thirty seconds.

“Border patrols need to be doubled, he’d been telling his Betas in the throne room, voice carrying that familiar authority that made grown men straighten their spines. “No room for error.”

Then I’d walked in carrying a cup of tea.

Careful, that’s hot. He was at my side instantly, hands hovering like the mug might spontaneously combust. “Let me take it.”

Edward had actually snorted. ‘Your Majesty, perhaps

Meeting dismissed’ Carlan’s glare could have frozen hellfire.

Or the time I’d found him in the kitchen at midnight, surrounded by what looked like a flour explosion.

“What are you doing? I’d asked, trying not to laugh at the sight of him covered head to toe in white powder.

“Learning to make pregnancy safe meals. He held up a cookbook like it was some sacred text. The chef said you need bland,

nutritious food.

You put salt in instead of sugar

What?! Hed tasted the batter and immediately made a face like bed been poisoned shit Ell start over

“We can cook together, I duffered, stepping closer to wipe flour from his cheek.

But my personal favorite had been three nights ago when he’d woken me up at 2 AM

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Chapter 198

“Sabi, your breathing sounds wrong.”

‘Hm? I’d mumbled, still half-asleep.

“You stopped breathing for three seconds.” His voice had been tight with worry. “Should I call the doctor?

“Caelan…” I’d turned to face him in the darkness, finding his eyes wide with concern. “That’s called normal breathing rhythm. Have you been sleeping at all?

“I just want to make sure you’re both safe.”

The admission had been so soft, so vulnerable, that I’d pulled him down for a kiss instead of lecturing him about sleep deprivation.

Today was different though. Rodrigo was coming with Victoria and Daisy for lunch, something that had become a weekly tradition since the wedding. Having family close by made everything feel more real, more grounded.

“Victoria wants to teach me to knit baby blankets today.” I told Caelan as we headed downstairs.

“Knitting?” He looked intrigued. “That sounds… complicated.”

“It’s supposed to be relaxing for pregnant women.”

“Can I try?”

I stopped walking. “You want to knit?”

“Why not?”

Three hours later, I was regretting ever mentioning the knitting idea.

“This pattern makes no sense,” I muttered, staring at the tangle of yarn that was supposed to be a blanket. My fingers felt clumsy, uncooperative.

“Here, let me show you again.” Victoria’s patience was endless as she demonstrated the stitch for the fifth time. “When you’re pregnant, crafts help keep your mind calm.”

“My mind feels anything but calm right now.”

I remember my first attempt at knitting,” Victoria laughed. “Took me three tries just to cast on properly.”

“Let me try.” Caelan reached for the needles with the same confidence he brought to battle planning.

Victoria and I exchanged looks before bursting into laughter.

“The Lycan King wants to knit?” Victoria managed between giggles.

“Why is that funny?” Caelan looked genuinely confused.

Seeing us laughing so hard, Caelan shook his head helplessly, gave up on the idea of knitting, and turned to walk toward his father- in-law at the other end of the room. Then they started to discuss the finer points of pregnancy care.

“The most important thing is patience,” Dad was saying seriously. “Pregnant women can be… unpredictable.”

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Chapter 198

Caelan had pulled out an actual notebook. “I should write this down.”

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“Don’t micromanage everything. Women like independence during pregnancy.” Rodrigo glanced at me meaningfully. “But you can’t ignore them either.”

“Yesterday I helped her put on shoes and she accused me of treating her like she was disabled.”

Rodrigo laughed. “That’s a good sign! Means she’s feeling strong.”

Victoria and I shared another look. Men. Honestly.

“Look what I made!” Daisy bounded over, holding up a crayon drawing of what appeared to be a stick figure princess riding a

unicorn.

“That’s beautiful, sweetheart.” I knelt down to her level, studying the artwork seriously. “Tell me about it.”

“It’s the baby! When she’s born, I’m going to teach her to ride unicorns!”

“Real unicorns might be a little dangerous,” Caelan said gently.

“Then ponies!” Daisy switched gears without missing a beat. “Will you teach her to ride horses, Caelan?”

“Of course. I’ll teach her everything she needs to know.”

The sincerity in his voice made my chest tight. He was going to be such an amazing father.

“Can I talk to the baby now?” Daisy asked, eyes wide with excitement.

“Sure.” I guided her small hand to my belly. “Just put your hand right here.”

“Hello, baby!” Daisy whispered conspiratorially. “I’m your Aunt Daisy! I’m going to spoil you rotten and teach you all the fun stuff your parents won’t let you do!”

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From Substitute To Queen