Cromwell Palace, Henfordshire

Measured giggling rippled across the air, a melody of joy mingling with the gentle birdsong of the Henfordian countryside on a beautiful and serene sunny day. At a table, nestled in the manicured gardens of Cromwell Palace, the royal ladies gathered for an afternoon of tea and lively conversation.

Queen Aria Grace, in her late forties, sat with an air of regal serenity, her warm smile lighting up the gathering as she sipped her tea and observed the lively chatter among the women.

Across from her, Queen Helena, 33, a cherished family friend and wife of King Alexander, balanced her maternal attentiveness with her usual charm. Her 4-year-old daughter, Princess Johanna, toddled nearby under the watchful gaze of her nanny. Clutching her beloved stuffed bunny in one hand, Johanna giggled as she plucked tiny flowers and toddled toward the butterfly-laden flowerbeds.

The queen’s daughter-in-law, Princess Wilhelmina, 26, sat comfortably with her hands resting on the curve of her near full-term belly. Her contented smile shone as she swapped stories with Princess Victoria, 25, her sister-in-law who was less than a month behind her in pregnancy. Victoria leaned back in her chair, glowing with joy and occasionally resting a protective hand on her own bump as the two women bonded over shared experiences.

At the far end of the table, Princess Veronica, 17, lounged with her typical teenage flair, her phone in hand as she scrolled through messages, if she wasn’t staring at Elias at the pool with the other men, proverbial hearts coming from her first love teenage eyes. Though her focus appeared divided, she couldn’t resist offering the occasional sharp-witted comment, which drew laughter from her older sister and a playful eye roll from Aria Grace, who had grown accustomed to Veronica’s cheeky ways.

Johanna’s delighted squeal drew their attention as she dashed toward the table, a small bouquet of daisies and buttercups clasped tightly in her tiny hands. The nanny followed close behind, smiling warmly as the toddler proudly displayed her floral treasures to her mother, who leaned down to kiss her on the forehead.

The scene was one of lighthearted joy and familial warmth, the sunlight casting a golden glow over the gardens of Cromwell Palace—a tranquil reprieve where laughter and love took precedence, uniting the royal women in a moment of shared connection.

Princess Victoria, her radiance amplified by the warm afternoon sun, let out a soft laugh, her hand resting on her growing belly. “Ooh, this little one keeps kicking up a storm. Henk says she’d make a marvelous soccer player.” Her laughter rippled through the group, as light and effortless as the breeze playing through the gardens. Queen Helena, composed yet relaxed, raised her teacup with a knowing smile. “Ah, the first one truly is the hardest. Sebastian bruised me black and blue, but Johanna—my sweet angel—was a breeze. Such a darling child.”

Seated beside her, Princess Wilhelmina leaned forward, her voice carrying the gentle curiosity of familial connection as she addressed her sister-in-law. “Are you planning on more? William and I were talking about having two close in age, like Will and Victoria. Those two were instant best friends and still are. I just adore their relationship and would love that for our children. I never had that with Alexander—I love my brother, and know he loves me, but the gap between us was too big to be each other’s friends.”

Victoria’s eyes lit up. “Aww! I love that. Good point. Henk and I haven’t even thought about more kids. We are laser focused on this one here for now, but your point makes sense. I think I would love another Will and me for my children too. I’ll talk to Henk about that.”

Helena’s laugh spilled over like the bubbling of champagne. “Dear God, do not ask the husbands. If it were up to Alex, I’d be drowning in babies—a new one every year! He’s trying to get me to go for number three, but so far, I’ve managed to avoid that conversation past the not-so-subtle hints. If it weren’t for the pregnancy and all it does to the body during and after, I would be fully on board. Or, if they ever manage to have the men take over. Alex could have all the children he’d like.”

The table erupted in laughter, the harmony of their voices weaving together in a moment of camaraderie. Queen Aria Grace, seated with her characteristic grace and poise, nodded in agreement as she set her teacup down. “That’s very true. If someone had told me at twenty I’d have four children, I’d have declared them clinically insane. Yet here I am—and I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

“I want one of each when our time comes,” Veronica chimed in with a dreamy sigh. “A boy and a girl, in that order. And I hope the boy looks just like Elias. He’s so handsome!”

“Not again with the swooning, and pregnancy doesn’t work like that, Vero, argh you’re not even listening, eyes and ears glossed over with hearts for Elias,” Victoria teased her seventeen-year-old sister Princess Veronica, whose focus did not even lift from her phone as she was snapping candid shots of Elias wrestling and laughing with his younger brother Magnus by the pool, when Victoria turned to their mother, “Mama, goodness, was I like that too?”

“Yes!” Aria Grace replied instantly, her laughter sparkling like sunlight on water. “And you still are! Though, for good reason—Henk is quite the treasure. Truth be told, I am quite sure I was the same way with your father, as your Uncle Nick would be more than happy to confirm.” Her humor was infectious, drawing smiles and soft giggles from around the table.

As the laughter settled, the group’s attention shifted briefly to Princess Vivienne, lounging comfortably in a chair under the afternoon sun. Despite the months of surgeries and recovery that had tested her spirit, she seemed determined to reclaim her strength and stubborn independence. Her baby bump, now unmistakable, was a reminder of the life she had fought so hard to protect. Beside her, Liam hovered with relentless devotion, attempting to juggle feeding her soup with one hand and offering a crumpet with the other, while Vivienne swatted at him playfully, insisting she could manage on her own. Their lively back-and-forth drew chuckles from those nearby, a glimpse of lightheartedness after so much hardship.

Helena sighed softly, her gaze fixed on Vivienne. “Truth be told, I honestly wasn’t sure if those two could cut it as parents, or even as a couple, but after experiencing Liam since Vivienne’s terrible accident, I have to say, he’ll make a wonderful father. And what a relief to see her like this. After everything she’s been through… it’s nothing short of miraculous.”

“That’s an understatement,” Aria Grace said, her regal tone touched with tenderness. “Seeing our little spirited tomboy just lying there in bed, so weak, fighting for her life and her baby’s, was unbearable. She’d taken quite a beating—a ruptured spleen, a bunch of broken ribs one of them nearly punctured a lung, so she needed surgery, and a whole lot of bruising inside and out. It was enough to leave us all terrified. The doctors didn’t waste any time—they were keeping an eagle eye on the baby to make sure everything was okay. They warned us Viv would need strict bedrest and laid out a plan for her recovery. It all sounded perfectly reasonable—until she woke up and decided she knew better than them.
Honestly, I thought she’d be too weak to argue, but Vivienne being Vivienne, it didn’t take long for her stubborn streak to kick in. She started fighting with the doctors the moment she could form a sentence, insisting she was fine and didn’t need all this bedrest nonsense. One day, Max and I walked into her room only to find her tied to the bed. Can you imagine? Tied to the bed! Goodness gracious, just when you think you’ve seen and heard it all as a mother. It was like she went from barely alive to possessed in a matter of days. While it was a relief to see her spirits come roaring back, it also reminded us what a handful she can be when she sets her mind to something. And Maximilian’s devotion to Vivienne—it was nothing short of remarkable. If I wasn’t already crazy in love with him, I would be now! It really proves that being a great father isn’t about DNA. Jack was relieved too, though it tore him up that he couldn’t stay away from the ranch long enough to be with her all the time. It upset him, but knowing Max was there gave him peace of mind. Max hardly left her side, making sure she had everything she needed, stepping into any role necessary to keep her spirits up and to support her recovery. And after everything… her first question was about when she could ride again. I nearly lost my mind! I told her I was ready to shoot that damn horse, and Viv, Liam, and Max all ganged up on me, lecturing me for hours about how it wasn’t Argenta’s fault. Good grief, as if I didn’t know that.”

Laughter chimed up, briefly, when Vivienne’s older sister Victoria nodded, her voice warm with affection. “That’s how we knew she’d truly turned the corner. Vivienne would never let herself be kept down for long, even tries to go ride horses with a ruptured spleen and broken ribs. Unlike our little Veronica here, she milks each cough and sniffle, even a broken nail, for all its worth as if she were on death’s door.” Victoria teased her youngest sister, who was still playing on her phone, interrupting briefly to stick her tongue out at her older sister.

“And poor Liam!” Mina added with a chuckle. “That poor guy practically lived here at the palace during her recovery, kept running back and forth between here and his job at the stables. The palace cleaning staff nearly went on strike with all the dirt he left behind!”

“Isn’t that their job?” Veronica asked innocently, earning a chorus of laughter from the others.

“It is their job, but how would you like to have to do the same thing over and over again? It’s frustrating.” Victoria explained, but only received a shrug, then let out a sigh. “I am not surprised about Liam, it sounds like him. There is a lot more to him than meets the eye. I always knew that. I honestly thought he was the one for me, but something always felt off, until I realized Henk is who I was meant to be with. I think Liam and Vivienne are a match made in heaven. I really don’t see why they won’t get engaged. I mean, how much more perfect can it be?” Victoria added.

The sound of playful splashes carried over from the nearby pool where the royal men were gathered, joined by younger members of the family, their laughter ringing out in the warm afternoon air. Crown Prince Elias, brimming with teenage exuberance at 18, launched into the water with a thunderous “CANNONBALL!” The resulting splash sent waves cascading over the edge, drenching his 15-year-old brother, Prince Magnus, who stood at the poolside with his arms crossed, attempting to appear unimpressed. His composure lasted only seconds before he retaliated with an impressive splash of his own, drawing a roar of laughter, followed by the boys engaging in some water wrestling.

Not far away, King Alexander, 35, waded in the shallow end with his 6-year-old son, Prince Sebastian, perched on his shoulders. Sebastian squealed with delight as Alexander lifted and playfully launched him into the water, earning a triumphant grin as Sebastian surfaced, demanding to go again.

Duke Hendrik, 28, perched on the pool’s edge, his feet lazily kicking at the water as he exchanged jokes with Crown Prince William, 26, who floated leisurely on his back. Though appearing relaxed, William’s peace was constantly disrupted by stray splashes and teasing remarks, which he endured with an easy grin.

Overseeing it all with quiet amusement was King Maximilian, in his early 50s. Standing poolside with a towel draped over his shoulders, he sipped a cold drink as his hearty chuckles filled the air, indulgently watching over the lively gathering of family.

“Liam, darling,” Aria Grace called out with a warm smile, her regal demeanor softened by maternal affection. “Why don’t you borrow a pair of swim trunks from Max or William and join them?”

“Oh no, thank you, Your Majesty,” Liam replied with his usual politeness, bowing slightly. “I’m happy here with Vivienne.”

“That boy,” Aria Grace said with a shake of her head, her amusement evident. “I’ve asked him a hundred times to call me Aria Grace. He’s practically part of the family already!”

“Not to mention the father of one of your three grandchildren,” Victoria quipped, earning a playful warning glare from her mother.

“Zip it, young lady,” Aria Grace replied with mock sternness, though her eyes twinkled. “I am ignoring that part for now. I don’t look at them as grandchildren, but sweet babies by my sweet babies.”

As laughter filled the air, the mood of the gathering shifted abruptly. Princess Mina, ever composed despite her evident discomfort, froze mid-motion, her hand drifting instinctively to her stomach. A flicker of worry crossed her face, urgency sparking in her expression. Rising from her chair with deliberate care, she turned to Aria Grace.

“Aria Grace,” Mina said, her voice quiet but firm, “could you call William over, please?”

Aria’s regal demeanor sharpened, a mother’s intuition kicking in instantly. “Of course darling,” She raised her hand, waving toward the pool with quick, precise motions. William, mid-lap, caught the movement out of the corner of his eye. His casual strokes shifted into a more urgent rhythm as he swam toward the edge.

Emerging from the pool with a curious and mildly concerned gaze, William grabbed a towel, droplets of water catching the sunlight as he started to dry off while walking toward the women. Something about Mina—her posture, the stillness, her expression showing she was clearly in pain—gave him pause. His brow furrowed as he slung the towel loosely around his hips, the amusement draining from his face.

“Mina?” he called, his steps quickening as unease crept in. His walk turned into a jog and then a sprint as realization hit, the towel slipping from his body as he closed the gap between them.

“Everything alright, Mina?” Victoria asked, her worry clear as she took in her sister-in-law’s pale face right as William reached them, his hands instantly steadying his wife, staring at her with great concern.

Mina’s gaze flickered to Victoria, her voice barely above a whisper, tight with unease. “Not really. My water just broke.”

The table fell silent, and within moments, the calm afternoon dissolved into a ripple of urgency. The men nearby turned their heads sharply at William’s sprint, their jovial conversations cutting short as concern registered. Those still in the pool began climbing out, water dripping as they grabbed towels and exchanged glances. On the lounge chairs, Vivienne and Liam immediately stood, abandoning their relaxed positions as they hurried toward the terrace where the women had been enjoying tea.

The golden light of the afternoon cast a surreal glow over the scene—a family springing to action, bound by love and an unspoken understanding that they were stronger together in moments like these.

Foxbury Royal hospital

The hospital room was calm, the soft hum of monitors a gentle backdrop to the joyous scene unfolding within. Princess Wilhelmina, lying in the hospital bed, cradled her newborn daughter, Crown Princess Josephine Margret, with a mixture of awe and overwhelming love. The infant’s tiny hand curled instinctively around her finger as she whispered softly to her, her heart already captured by the smallest member of the family.

Beside her, Crown Prince William sat close, his arm draped protectively around his wife’s shoulders as he gazed down at their daughter. Pride and tenderness lit up his expression as he leaned in, brushing his finger lightly against Josephine’s tiny cheek. On the other side of the bed sat Queen Aria Grace, her joy evident as she softly cooed at her first grandchild. King Maximilian stood nearby, his broad smile tempered by quiet reverence as he admired the baby. Hendrik and Victoria sat close by, with Victoria shifting slightly in her chair, her growing belly evidence of how soon another royal grandchild would arrive.

The room was a picture of familial joy, soft conversation flowing as the family shared in the wonder of new life. “Mina, my beautiful Mina,” William said with awe kissing his wife, his hand brushing her hair gently, “she’s perfect. Absolutely perfect. Look Papa, Mama and Vic, Henk, look what we made! A real human being! A perfect one at that!”

“She is,” Mina agreed, her gaze never leaving her daughter. Then, her voice shifted, tinged with impatience. “Will, check for messages from my brother again. Please. Where is he? He was supposed to pick up mother from the airport. How hard is that? How long does that take?”

William furrowed his brow as he reached for his phone. “Still nothing,” he murmured. “No messages from Alexander.”

The king spoke up “I told Reginald to keep calling him and Helena, evidently their phones go straight to voicemail.”

Mina frowned deeply, frustration creeping into her voice. “What? Where is Helena? Why is she not here? I get not wanting to deal with small children at a hospital, but the nanny could have taken them. Can I not even have my sister-in-law here when my brother and mother apparently rather go sightseeing than come here!? Could ANYONE from my side of the family show up for me?! Is that too much to ask for?”

“I think Helena and the kids went with Alexander. When they heard grandma was coming they were rather rambunctious, but I agree, they should be long back from the airport. Maybe the plane was delayed. I’ll have Reginald check that too,” Max offered, pulling out his phone, but before he could do any more, the door opened quietly, and Sir Reginald, King Maximilian’s trusted advisor, entered the room as if on cue.

His face was unusually grave as he bowed deeply. “Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses, forgive my intrusion,” he began solemnly. He approached Maximilian and leaned in to whisper something in his ear.

Maximilian jerked back, his expression shifting to disbelief. “Good God!” he muttered, his voice a mixture of shock and sorrow.

“Max?!” Aria Grace’s voice sliced through the room, her concern evident as everyone turned toward the king. All conversation stopped as he struggled to form words, his lips moving soundlessly. Finally, his gaze darted to Sir Reginald, who stepped forward, his tone measured but sorrowful.

“Your Majesty, shall I…?” Sir Reginald offered delicately.

Maximilian nodded helplessly, sinking into the nearest chair with a sigh that seemed to empty the air from the room. Sir Reginald straightened, his shoulders squared, and addressed Wilhelmina directly, though with the utmost care. “Your Royal Highness,” he began, his voice heavy with regret, “it is with profound sadness that I must inform you of the passing of your dear mother, Her Royal Majesty the Dowager Queen Margarethe. She suffered a sudden and fatal medical event on her way to the airport to see you. Your brother and his wife and children departed for Windenburg at once, as you might understand. My deepest condolences.”

The weight of his words hung in the room like a thunderclap. Mina’s face went stark white, her breath hitching as she instinctively tightened her hold on Josephine. William’s hand trembled as he reached for Mina, his expression stunned, caught between disbelief and grief. Aria Grace gasped sharply, her hand flying to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. Maximilian remained in his chair, his head bowed, his hand gripping the armrest tightly.

Victoria, sitting nearby, seemed to freeze. Her gaze flicked between Mina and Sir Reginald, her lips parting soundlessly as tears suddenly spilled down her cheeks. “Oh my God, no! She never even got to meet her granddaughter…” Victoria whispered, her voice trembling and breaking as she pressed her hands to her face. The emotions overwhelmed her, and suddenly she gasped, clutching her belly.

Mina’s reaction came like a dam bursting. A heart-wrenching sob escaped her, raw and filled with pain, her shoulders shaking as the full weight of the news hit her. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched Josephine tighter against her chest, her cries filled with the anguish of loss—of a mother she would never see again, a mother who would never hold her only daughter’s first child, the late dowager queen’s third grandchild.

Aria Grace, visibly shaken herself, acted swiftly, her instincts as both a queen and a mother kicking in. She stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she gently but firmly took Josephine from Mina’s arms. “Shh, my darling, let me take her for a moment,” she whispered, her tone soothing but steady. Cradling the baby, she carried her to the bassinet by the bedside, carefully laying her down amidst soft blankets.

William, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears, moved closer to Mina, enveloping her in his arms. “I’m here, Mina. I’m right here,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion as he held her tightly, his strength now solely focused on comforting her. She clung to him desperately, burying her face in his chest as sobs wracked her body.

Meanwhile, Hendrik had risen, his expression filled with alarm as he knelt beside Victoria. “Liefje? What is it?” he asked urgently, his hand clasping hers as she fought to steady her breaths.

Victoria looked up at Hendrik, her tear-streaked face a mixture of grief and panic. “The baby…” she managed, her voice catching on a sharp exhale. “It’s hurting, and suddenly I felt wetness.” Her hands trembled as she grabbed his arm for support. “I think my water just broke…I think the baby’s coming.”

As she shifted slightly to rise, a small wet spot on her chair confirmed her suspicion. She winced, bending forward as a contraction took hold, her breathing uneven as pain rippled through her.

The room shifted into chaos. Aria Grace, still standing near the bassinet, turned sharply, her own grief momentarily replaced by urgent action. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, not that now too! We need a doctor!” she said, her voice firm despite the emotional storm surrounding them. “Now. Reginald, hurry!”

Without hesitation, Sir Reginald inclined his head and rushed out of the room, his long strides carrying him down the corridor. Moments later, he returned, his calm professionalism juxtaposed against the urgency in his movements. Behind him came a small team—a doctor, two nurses, and a wheelchair at the ready.

The staff moved quickly, their practiced hands easing Victoria into the wheelchair with gentle efficiency as she now started wailing in pain, previously masked by the earlier excitement, followed by the grave news. Hendrik hovered close, gripping her hand tightly as she bent forward with another contraction, her breathing uneven but controlled.

“She’s having contractions!” Hendrik informed the doctor urgently. “Her water’s broken, and she’s 36 weeks along!”

“Let’s get her to the delivery room immediately,” the doctor said, his tone brisk but reassuring. The nurses maneuvered the wheelchair swiftly, the team moving seamlessly as Hendrik followed closely behind, his focus entirely on his wife.

As the door closed behind them, the room settled into a stunned silence once more. The grief over Dowager Queen Margarethe’s sudden passing remained palpable, mingled now with the anticipation and urgency of new life arriving amidst the sorrow.

Mina, still clutching William tightly, sobbed uncontrollably into his chest, her cries raw and heart-wrenching. Her grief, compounded by the emotional weight of the day, left her inconsolable as her shoulders shook with the force of her anguish. William held her firmly, his hands running soothingly over her back, his own tears brimming as he whispered reassurances that seemed to do little to ease her torment.

A doctor, having been called in quietly amidst the chaos, stepped forward with a calm yet professional demeanor. “She’s having a nervous breakdown,” he murmured to Queen Aria Grace and King Maximilian, his tone steady but concerned. “She needs to calm down before this takes an even greater toll.”

Without hesitation, the doctor prepared a sedative, speaking softly to Mina as he gently injected it into her arm. “This will help you relax,” he assured her, his words soothing but authoritative. “You need rest—for your health and for the baby’s.”

Mina’s sobs began to fade, her body gradually slackening against William’s chest as the sedative took effect. Though her tears still fell, her breathing slowed, and the tremors that shook her frame began to ease. William pressed his lips to her forehead, his own heart aching as he held her securely, grateful for even the smallest reprieve from her pain.

Aria Grace, watching the scene unfold, stepped closer to Maximilian and enveloped him in a hug, her voice trembling with emotion. “Having grandchildren was scary enough,” she whispered softly, “but do they have to come with so much drama? And both in one day? That wasn’t planned! Bit much for any parent.”

Maximilian wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, his own strength wavering as he absorbed her words. “I know, my love,” he said softly, his tone heavy with emotion. “But we’ll get through this, queen of my heart, just as we always have and always will.” He paused, taking a moment to steady himself as he continued, “Amor Omnia Vincit. Love conquers all—the Cromwell family motto, and what our family has always believed. It’s the Cromwell way. And Mina—she’s part of this family now. She’s surrounded by that strength, by us. We’ll carry each other through this. She may have lost both parents now, but she has us, we will be her mother and father when she needs them. They are all our babies if not by birth then by choice.”

AG nodded, his words grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions. She looked over at Mina, cradled securely in William’s arms. The doctor’s sedative had taken effect, and William raised his finger to his lips, mouthing, “She’s asleep,” to his parents. AG and Max exchanged a quiet, understanding look.

Max rested an arm around AG’s shoulders and gave a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s go check on our other baby and our next grandbaby, then,” he said softly, guiding her toward the door. They slipped out together, their presence steady and comforting as they left the room to follow the path to Victoria and Hendrik.