Nora hesitates, then nods reluctantly. “Fine. But I’m coming with you.”
“Good.” I manage a weak smile, but my hand doesn’t leave my belly.
As Nora helps me walk away from the field, I glance back one last time. Jack stands near the flames, issuing quiet orders, his face drawn but he doesn’t see me leave.
And maybe that’s for the best. Because deep down, I know–whatever is happening inside me right now isn’t normal.
Something that shouldn’t be possible–not after reading my father’s letter. He’d written clearly that my mother wouldn’t be coming back as my child–that fate was no longer theirs to command.
Then why… why does it feel like something powerful just moved inside me?
The sharp scent of antiseptic fills my nose as I lie on the hospital bed, one hand resting protectively on my stomach. The soft beeping of the monitors feels too calm for the storm brewing inside me.
The doctor moves around with quiet efficiency, jotting down notes, his glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose. Finally, he looks up at me with a small smile. “Your baby is perfect, Princess. Strong heartbeat, healthy development.”
Relief washes through me, but it’s tinged with confusion. “Then why… why did I feel it kick?” I ask, my voice unsteady. “It’s too early, isn’t it? I’m barely a month along.”
He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “For an ordinary werewolf, yes. But for someone with royal blood?” He sets the chart aside and gives me a knowing look. “Your pregnancy will not follow the usual six to seven months. Based on the readings, it’ll be closer to five. Perhaps even less.”
I blink. “Less?”
He nods. “Your child’s growth rate is accelerated. Remarkably so. It’s rare, but not unheard of–your mother’s pregnancy was the same. You were born early too, strong and fully developed.” His eyes gleam with professional curiosity. “This little one is just following in your footsteps. Or perhaps… surpassing them.”
I swallow hard, my gaze drifting down to my belly. My footsteps. My child. The words feel too heavy, too sacred to say aloud.
The doctor glances between Nora and me before asking gently, “Would you like to know the gender?”
I shake my head almost immediately. “No.”
He raises a brow. “Are you sure? Many mothers prefer-”
“No.” I yell. I take a breath and soften my tone. “I want it to be a surprise. And… Jack should be here when we find out. It wouldn’t be fair for me to know alone.”
Nora lets out a dreamy sigh from where she leans against the wall, arms folded. “I know the late Queen–may
1/3.
her soul rest in peace–said it would be a girl, but I can’t help thinking it’s a boy,” she teases, her grin playful” He kicked like a warrior already! Probably impatient to come out and rule the world.”
A weak chuckle escapes me. “Maybe.”
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