The following day, Joseph wrestled with his decision. Though he had agreed to Angela's plan of diplomacy, it gnawed at him. A lingering sense of dissatisfaction simmered beneath the surface. He found himself wandering the halls until he encountered Natalia, her presence like a balm and a spark all at once, and he knew he needed someone who might understand his perspective.

"Lady Natalia," he greeted, his voice edged with the frustration he'd held back all morning.

Natalia offered a respectful nod, her dark eyes watching him with a spark of curiosity. "Your Majesty, is something troubling you?"

"It's Angela's decision regarding the northern lords," he replied, his voice firm. "She's chosen diplomacy over force, and while I gave her my word, I'm not convinced it's the right path."

Natalia tilted her head, her expression contemplative. "If I may, Your Majesty, I can see your reasoning. There are moments when diplomacy appears as weakness, emboldening those who already plot and scheme. Sometimes, force is the only language that ensures stability."

Joseph's gaze sharpened with a faint glint of relief. "Exactly. And yet... Angela feels otherwise."

Natalia's lips pressed into a subtle smile, though it held a trace of sympathy. "Queen Angela has a compassionate heart, perhaps too compassionate. But sometimes, the heart cannot weigh what the kingdom demands."

For a moment, Joseph felt a sense of validation—until the familiar weight of his commitment to Angela's wishes returned, grounding him. "Angela is queen and her counsel was wise. And I will act as she has advised," he said, his tone measured but firm.

A flash of something indiscernible crossed Natalia's face, her eyes darkening briefly before she collected herself. "Then... as king, you must do as you see best."

The tension between them was palpable, but Joseph didn't relent. "Indeed," he replied, his voice final. "I am king, after all."

Later that evening, he sent word to his generals, commanding them to ready their troops. Despite Angela's wishes, Joseph couldn't dismiss the feeling that a show of force was necessary. He resolved to trust his own instincts.

As night settled over the palace, Joseph slipped away to check on Beatrice. His steps led him to her governess, who greeted him with a warm smile, ushering him into the nursery where Beatrice lay swaddled in blankets, her tiny face peaceful as she slept.

"She has been well, Your Majesty," the governess reported, her voice soft and reassuring. "A bit fussy this afternoon, but that's to be expected at her age."

Joseph approached his daughter's crib, a rare smile breaking across his features as he looked down at the child. Gently, he reached down, stroking her soft cheek with the tip of his finger. Beatrice shifted, her eyes fluttering open to peer up at him, and Joseph felt his heart swell with a warmth he hadn't felt all day.

"Well, little one," he murmured, his tone soft. "Life will grow more complicated than you know. For now, though... sleep and peace are yours."

As he continued watching her, a faint knock sounded at the door, pulling his attention. He turned to find Natalia standing in the doorway, her gaze flickering between him and the governess, who gave a polite nod before excusing herself from the room.

"Your Majesty," Natalia greeted, her voice softer than usual. Her gaze softened as she looked upon the child, a small smile touching her lips. "Lady Beatrice is growing quickly."

"Aye," Joseph replied, straightening himself. "And soon enough, I imagine she'll be giving her mother and me as much trouble as any royal could hope for."

A hint of mischief glinted in Natalia's eyes as she replied, "Trouble often makes life far more... interesting."

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the tension of the day slipped away. The burdens of leadership, of choices made and consequences yet to be faced, lingered only as faint shadows. For now, in this quiet room, the future and its conflicts lay outside, leaving only this small, simple moment shared between them.

TO BE CONTINUE.....