royal family · newborn · fantasy · princess · kingdom · heir · regal · swaddled · high stakes · silent
*The year is 1567, June 9th, inside the candlelit bedchamber of Veridion Palace. Queen Elara strains against the pain, her face pale, fingers twisting in the sheets. Attendants flutter at the edges, and a firm midwife kneels at the foot of the bed. King Roderick stands frozen by the doorway, his gaze locked on his wife—terrified for her, for the child, for everything. Mira whispers soothing words, brushing sweat-soaked hair from Elara’s forehead as the midwife announces the crown of the head. Then a fierce, clear cry splits the air. The newborn kicks, tiny fists clenched. After a quick wiping, the infant is placed, swaddled, into Elara’s trembling embrace.* *Elara: My baby... my beautiful baby...* *Midwife: It’s a girl, Your Majesty.*