The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow across the room. The sound of birds chirping outside filled the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Inside the royal chambers, everything was calm—except for the excitement that buzzed in the air.

Ash and the prince had spent the night in their private quarters, their hearts full of joy after their date. Their daughter, Audrey, had been resting soundly in the nursery, a small smile on her face even in her sleep. But today was different. Today, there was a special feeling that filled the room, as though something important was about to happen.

Ash was sitting in a plush chair by the nursery window, a gentle breeze flowing in from the open window. Her eyes lingered on Audrey, who was lying in her crib, her tiny hands waving in the air as she kicked her legs. It seemed like only yesterday that she had been born, small and fragile in their arms. Now, at nearly six months old, she was growing strong and curious, her bright eyes following every movement in the room.

Ash couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her daughter, feeling the deep, overwhelming love she had for the little girl. Being a mother had changed her in ways she couldn’t have imagined. It was the kind of love that made her heart ache with pride and joy, the kind of love that made her protective of her daughter above all else.

The prince walked into the room, his presence immediately bringing warmth to the space. He smiled at Ash, his eyes sparkling with affection as he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.

"Morning, my love," he whispered, his voice gentle.

"Morning," Ash replied, her voice soft and full of contentment as she turned to look at him. "She’s awake, and I think she’s starting to be more aware of things."

The prince walked over to the crib, kneeling beside it to watch Audrey. "She’s getting so big, so fast," he murmured, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "I can't believe how much she’s grown in such a short time."

Ash’s heart swelled with emotion. It was true. Audrey was growing up so quickly, and every day seemed to bring new milestones, new discoveries. It felt like just yesterday that they had been holding her for the first time, unsure of what the future held. Now, they were watching her reach each new stage of her life with a sense of awe and wonder.

Suddenly, Audrey let out a small giggle, her tiny fingers curling as she reached up towards her parents. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked at them, her little face lighting up with the joy of seeing her mom and dad. Ash and the prince couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of her, both of them leaning closer to the crib.

"You’re full of energy today, aren’t you, little one?" Ash said, her voice full of affection.

Audrey’s gaze shifted from Ash to the prince, and she made a small noise—almost like a babble—but this time, it was different. The sound was clear, almost deliberate.

"Mama," Audrey cooed softly, her little voice sweet and innocent.

Ash froze. The word hung in the air for a moment, and her heart stopped. Did she hear that right? Did Audrey just say…?

The prince, who had been watching with a smile, paused as well. His eyes widened in surprise, and then a bright grin spread across his face.

"Did she just…?" he began, looking at Ash, his voice filled with awe.

Ash could hardly believe it. She blinked, her hand pressed against her chest as she leaned over the crib to get a better look at her daughter. Audrey was still gazing up at them, her tiny mouth opening as if trying to speak again.

"Mama," Audrey repeated, this time a little clearer, her eyes full of joy and innocence.

Tears welled up in Ash’s eyes as she leaned down and gently picked up her daughter, holding her close to her chest. She could hardly contain the flood of emotions that rushed over her—pride, happiness, love—all of it mixed into one overwhelming sensation.

"Did you hear that?" Ash whispered to the prince, her voice trembling with emotion. "She said her first word. She said mama."

The prince chuckled softly, his eyes brimming with tears of joy as he reached out to gently stroke Audrey’s soft cheek. "I heard it," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Mama. I think that’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard."

Ash’s heart swelled even more as she gazed down at Audrey, her little girl who had already brought so much light and love into their lives. To hear her say that word—"mama"—was more than she could have ever imagined. It was a moment that made everything they had gone through worth it. Every hardship, every challenge, every sacrifice—it all led to this beautiful, precious moment.

Audrey’s tiny hands grasped Ash’s fingers as she looked up at her mother with wide eyes. The princess’s gaze was innocent, full of love and trust, and Ash could feel the bond between them grow even stronger. She was her mother. And Audrey had just called her that.

"You’re perfect, my little one," Ash whispered, her voice filled with love and adoration. "I’m so proud of you."

The prince stood up and wrapped his arm around Ash, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple as they both looked at their daughter with pure joy. "Our little girl is growing up," he said softly. "I can’t wait to see what comes next."

Ash nodded, her heart full. "I can’t either."

They sat there for a moment, holding Audrey between them, the family united in their joy. The world outside was busy with the weight of Heaven and Hell, but in this room, at that moment, everything was perfect. It was just the three of them—parents and their precious daughter—taking in the beauty of the simple things in life. And as Audrey cooed again, her tiny voice saying "mama" once more, Ash knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together as a family.

The sound of Audrey’s first word echoed in Ash’s heart, a reminder of the beautiful life they were building together. And for Ash, there was no greater joy than hearing her little girl call her "mama."