Chapter 31

Kleena

The month that followed the unexpected news of her gravid state passed in a blissful haze for Kleena. Her health flourished along with the new life she carried, and the palace buzzed with preparations for the grand engagement celebration.

She was constantly smiling, though in private moments, she could be seen chewing her lower lip.

She was about to step into a role she had never imagined for herself, and the enormity of it all sometimes took her breath away.

This is everything I’ve ever wanted. No, it’s better than I could even have dreamed, and the thought of my dreams coming true is scary!

She chuckled nervously, fussing with her hair.

It was time.

Under the high vaulted ceilings of the royal hall, Erhan coiled tall, an air of anticipation about him as he awaited Kleena’s entrance. He looked regal and confident, and the way his people looked at him made it clear they admired and respected him.

His eyes constantly darted to the grand entrance, his tongue flicking out every so often. As Kleena walked into the hall, every eye turned toward her.

She emerged, radiant and elegant, her hand resting gently on her slightly rounded belly. The flowy green dress she wore highlighting her pregnancy.

A soft murmur of admiration filled the hall, and Kleena could see the warmth in the eyes of those gathered.

When she finally reached Erhan, he took her hand, their fingers intertwining instantly.

Erhan looks so handsome, but I’m sure I can see a nervousness about him. It’s adorable.

Their shared smiles spoke volumes. The love between them was visible to all present, an unspoken bond that everyone could see.

Before the ceremony began, Erhan leaned in to whisper to her, “Janaya is confined to her residence,” he informed her softly. “Her punishment is social isolation, imposed with a grace befitting the Niri regard for female nobility.”

Kleena felt a sense of relief wash over her.

Oh, thank goodness. That whole situation was a damn heavy burden that soured my happiness. But I didn’t want her to be thrown in jail or something.

She nodded and smiled at Erhan, her eyes shining.

The engagement ceremony commenced with the king and queen presiding with regal benevolence. Their happiness for Erhan and Kleena was evident in their approving nods and the warmth in their eyes.

As the declaration of their union echoed through the hall, it was met with a chorus of cheers and applause.

Toasts were made in honor of the couple, the clinking of glasses and the swell of music encapsulating the festive mood that had taken over the court.

This all feels so unreal. Surreal, yet wonderfully real at the same time.

Throughout the celebration, Erhan and Kleena’s hands remained intertwined.

It was a silent symbol of their commitment, a silent promise to face whatever came their way together.

They were showered with well-wishes and blessings from their subjects and family alike, each one adding to the warmth and love that enveloped them.

The celebration carried on into the night, the kingdom rejoicing in the love and the forthcoming heir of their beloved Prince Erhan and his chosen mate, Kleena.

They danced through the night, lost in their own world despite the hundreds of eyes watching them.

I could spend eternity in his arms, and it wouldn’t be long enough…

As the night wore on, Kleena found herself gazing into Erhan’s eyes, her heart full.

She could see the future they would build together, the challenges they would face and overcome.

She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the path that had led her to this moment.

Later in the evening, the queen approached Kleena, her eyes soft with maternal warmth. “You look beautiful, my dear,” she said, her voice filled with pride. “And you are carrying the future of our kingdom. How do you feel?”

She smiled, her hand instinctively going to her belly. “I feel… blessed, Your Majesty. This child is a gift, and I am grateful for all the support I’ve received.”

The queen nodded, placing a gentle hand on Kleena’s shoulder. “You are a strong woman. And you will make a wonderful mother and a magnificent princess. Remember, you are never alone. We are all here for you.”

Tears filled Kleena’s eyes as she looked at the queen. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Your kindness means the world to me.”

As the queen moved on to speak with other guests, Erhan pulled Kleena close. “Are you all right?” he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.

She nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I am, Erhan. I truly am.”

He kissed her forehead, his love for her evident in every touch, every glance.

“I can’t wait to start this journey with you,” he whispered. “You’ve given me more than I ever dreamed possible.”

They continued to dance, the music and laughter around them creating a perfect backdrop to their happiness.

Our future seems so bright, I’m almost tempted to think it’s too good to be true…

Throughout the night, Kleena observed the court and the people around her. She saw the genuine happiness on their faces, the acceptance they had for her despite her human origins.

It was a testament to the kingdom’s capacity for love and unity, and it made her heart swell with pride.

Erhan remained by her side, his hand never leaving hers.

She could see the pride and joy in his eyes whenever he looked at her, and it made her feel cherished and valued.

As the evening progressed, they were approached by various nobles and dignitaries, each offering their congratulations and blessings.

Kleena handled every interaction with grace, her confidence growing with each passing moment.

She was no longer the unsure woman who had arrived at the palace; she was a future princess, a mother-to-be, and a woman in love.

One particularly touching moment came when a young girl, perhaps no more than eight years old, approached them with a bouquet of exotic flowers. “These are for you, Princess Kleena,” she said shyly, her cheeks pink with excitement.

Kleena knelt down to accept the flowers, her heart melting at the child’s innocence. “Thank you, sweetheart,” she said warmly. “They are beautiful, just like you.”

The girl beamed, her eyes shining with admiration. “I want to be just like you when I grow up,” she said earnestly.

Kleena felt a lump form in her throat. “What a wonderful compliment,” she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. “But remember, you are already special, and you should always be who you really are inside.”

As the girl glided off to join her family, Erhan squeezed Kleena’s hand. “You’re amazing with nirlings,” he said, his voice filled with pride.

Kleena smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I can’t wait to raise our nirling together,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

The night continued to unfold in a whirlwind of joy and celebration. As the festivities began to wind down, Erhan led her to a quiet part of the garden.

The moonlight bathed them in a soft glow, and the night air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.

“I love you, Kleena,” he said, his voice breaking the comfortable silence. “More than words can express.”

She looked at him, her heart overflowing with love. “I love you, too, Erhan. And I am so grateful for everything we have.”

He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss filled with promise and hope, a seal on the love they shared.

When they finally pulled away, they rested their foreheads together, a sense of peace settling over them.

As they sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms, Kleena knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

Their love was strong, their bond unbreakable.

With a contented sigh, Kleena nestled closer to Erhan, his hand resting protectively over her belly.

She realized the reality of new life within her, a reminder of the beautiful journey that lay ahead.

As the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, the two rose to make their way back to the palace.

They walked hand in hand, ready to embrace whatever the future held. Together, they were unstoppable, their love a beacon of hope and strength.

The palace, still glowing from the night’s festivities, welcomed them back with open arms.

And as they entered their new life together, Kleena couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

She was home, she was loved, and she was ready to face the future with Erhan by her side.