Page 63 of The King's Secret Baby

When he’s touching me like this, nothing else matters. Not the crowd, not the cameras, not the burden of the crown. All that matters is him and me and the beautiful life we’ll build together.

When we finally break apart, breathless and beaming, the roar of the crowd is deafening. The coronation ceremony begins, a breathtaking display of centuries-old tradition. I stand at the edge of the stage, heart swelling with pride as I watch the man I love take his solemn vows.

Luca kneels before the archbishop, his face a mask of regal composure. But when his eyes meet mine, they dance with barely contained joy.

The archbishop places the heavy golden crown upon Luca’s head. It glitters in the sunlight, a symbol of the immense responsibility he now bears.

“Rise, King Luca of Werdenfeld,” the archbishop intones. “Long may you reign.”

Luca rises to his feet, tall and proud, every inch the king he was born to be. The crowd erupts into thunderous applause, and it’s a wonder that the ground itself doesn’t shake in jubilation.

He extends his hand to me, and I join him on the dais, trembling with emotion. This is really happening. I’m standing beside the king — my king. The king of my heart.

Still holding hands, we turn to greet his people. Turn to greet our future. Our happily ever after.

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER: LUCA

Asoft breeze blows through the nursery’s open windows and makes the curtains dance as I gaze down at the precious bundle in my arms. Frederick, our beautiful baby boy, coos softly, his tiny hand grasping my finger.

“There’s my little prince,” I murmur, my heart overflowing with love and wonder.How did I get so lucky?

Hailey appears in the doorway, radiant as always, a tender smile on her face. “And there’s his doting daddy,” she teases gently. “The kingdom will have to send out a search party for their missing king.”

I chuckle, reluctantly tearing my eyes away from our son. “Ruling a country is important, but nothing is more important than family.”

She moves to my side, resting her head on my shoulder as we marvel at the perfect little being we created together. “I never thought I could love someone so completely, so instantly,” Hailey whispers. “He’s amazing, Luca.”

“Just like his mother,” I reply, pressing a kiss to her temple. “I’m in awe of you, Hailey. Watching you become a mom, seeing how naturally it comes to you… You’re incredible.”

She lifts her face to mine, her lips soft and inviting. “I love you, Luca. More than I ever dreamed possible.”

“I love you too,” I murmur against her mouth. “Forever and always.”

As we lose ourselves in a tender kiss, I marvel at the incredible journey that led us here. The sacrifices, the challenges, the triumphs… All of it was worth it, for this — for the family and the future we’re building together, one precious day at a time.

“You really shouldn’t be in here,” I remind her.

She purses her lips playfully. “I’m checking on my son!”

“Yes,” I laugh. “But isn’t it bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the wedding day?”

“Only if she’s in her dress.” She retreats toward the door anyway. “And I’m not in my dress yet.”

“I can’t wait to see you in it,” I say, meaning it completely.

“Soon enough.” She winks then disappears into the hallway.

It’s time for me to get ready as well, and so I hand over Frederick to his nanny and go to get dressed.

Fully suited up, I stand at the window, taking a moment to savor the tranquility before the joyful chaos of the day begins.

A soft knock at the door pulls me from my reverie. “Come in,” I call, turning to see Simon enter.

He looks dashing in his tailored tuxedo, a big grin stretched across his face.

“Well, don’tyouclean up nicely,” I tease, smiling back at my best friend.

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