Shauna

Sitting together in the garden, I noticed how distant we had all become. My father, surprisingly content, seemed eager to have a second chance at being there for me, as if he wanted to make up for lost time. Torell and Kiser whispered together, sharing private jokes or secrets that made me feel like an outsider. Trevor and Siren were neutral, but even they looked at me differently. None of us were the same as we had been six months ago.

Back in the throne room, the official announcement of my pregnancy weighed heavily on my shoulders. I felt Kiser's piercing gaze before she spoke. "So, are we planning a wedding now? Three months ago, you swore you wouldn't marry him," she scolded, her voice carrying a sharp edge.

"I'm not having this conversation with you," I replied, staring at my hands. "I don't have to marry him. We haven't even discussed it yet."

"Of course not. There are plenty of unwedded mothers in the Solar; why shouldn't the future queen be one too?" she said bitterly.

I looked up at her. "Who are you talking to?"

"To someone who used to be my sister until she let Cell in. You're different now."

"I'm the same person, Kiser. What's going on?"

"You knew you were pregnant when we left New York and kept me in the dark. I'm pissed that you didn't trust me. You're keeping secrets with your lover."

"I wasn't sure it was true, and now I am. Look, you will always be my sister, but I choose Cell. If you can't accept him, then we have a real problem."

Just then, the door opened, and Siren, Trevor, Torell, my father, and Cell walked in. Cell greeted me with a kiss, and I took his hand as he stood beside me.

"Good, you're all here. Trevor wants to know how we should announce the pregnancy," my father said, his voice steady.

"What do you mean, 'announce'?" I asked.

"The public just started accepting the Princess dating a Corin. We need them to love you both as much as you love each other," Trevor explained.

"I don't care what the public thinks," I replied, crossing my arms.

Kiser's voice cut through the air. "Yes, it seems our sister believes that because she's so powerful, the Solar will fall in line."

"You don't want an uprising, so hear us out," my father urged gently. "You're powerful, but things could quickly go south if we don't handle this properly. You chose everyone in this room to be on your council. You need to listen."

I exhaled deeply. "Fine. What do you propose?"

"We plan for you to make a public appearance to show the world how much you love each other. Photoshoots, interviews, press conferences—all lined up for the next month. You need to be comfortable in the public eye," Trevor explained.

"Okay. Is that all?" I asked.

"For now," Kiser said coldly.

Without another word, I left the room, my thoughts swirling with confusion and resolve.

Week one of our tour saw us on countless dates, flashing smiles at cameras and trying to demonstrate love to the Solar. For me, it wasn't difficult—I knew how I felt about Cell. But he seemed out of his comfort zone, kissing me in front of people he had spent a lifetime hiding from. Since we started this public campaign, he'd been distant, and the unspoken question of what he would become if I were crowned Queen hung between us.

We reached our final destination on Earth, a beautiful hotel where we were meant to showcase our picture-perfect relationship. Cell poured himself a drink, then sat at the table, his attention focused on writing in a notebook. I watched him for a moment before asking, "What's going on? You barely talk to me now."

"We spend every moment together," he snapped, not looking up. "I didn't think we had much else to discuss."

I felt a sting of hurt and tried to walk away, but he caught my arm. "Wait, I'm sorry. It's hard getting used to showing everyone what we have," he said, his voice softening. "I didn't mean to take it out on you."

"I'm sorry you have to go through all this," I said, my anger melting into concern.

"Don't be." He sighed and put his notebook down. "But I'm worried that you're not ready to commit fully to me."

"Cell, we've done some pretty binding things together," I said, gesturing at my belly. "What more could you want?"

"Marry me," he replied simply.

"Marriage?" I echoed.

"Yes, I want you to marry me. Show me that it's just us, no matter what." He pulled a sparkling diamond ring out of his pocket and held it between us. "We've never discussed marriage before, but I want more. Don't answer tonight. Just know that's what I want."

He placed the ring on the table, returning to his notebook. I stood there, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders, unsure of what to say or do next. All I knew was that I needed to think quickly.

Cell

I woke up to find Shauna not in bed. I could hear her whispering on the phone, her tone urgent but controlled. "Just do it, now!" I heard her say before she hung up.

She walked back in from the balcony, her face shadowed with stress. She sat on the bed, her eyes distant.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

"I think so," she replied, her voice steady but distracted. "We need to get up. We have a press conference soon."

I followed her lead, hoping she would share what was weighing on her mind. We walked into the press room, where we were met by a sea of reporters and cameras. It seemed like thousands were crammed into the space, buzzing with curiosity and speculation.

We sat down next to each other, presenting smiles and love for the cameras.

"Princess, it was announced this morning that you will be promoted to Queen Regent," a female reporter began. "Have you already begun your duties?"

"I have," Shauna replied with grace. "I handpicked the council, visited other worlds to welcome them into our Solar, and mediated all Solar laws. I'm excited about the new direction our Solar will take."

"And it was also announced that you and Nobleman Cell are engaged," the reporter continued.

I turned to look at Shauna's hand, where the diamond ring rested comfortably on her finger. She didn't flinch at the question.

"We are engaged and very happy together," Shauna said, her smile radiant. "Cell brings out the leader in me that you see before you. I hope you come to love him as much as I have." She leaned in and kissed me, filling the room with warmth.

A male reporter spoke up next. "Nobleman Cell, are you expected to rise to King Regent alongside the Princess?"

"Well, according to our political laws, I'd need to undergo some trials that could take weeks," I replied. "If I marry the Princess as a Nobleman, I'll be content with that title. But if needed, I'll rise to the occasion to prove how much being by her side means to me."

The trials were notoriously grueling, but I would endure them if that's what it took.

Another reporter addressed Shauna. "Princess, would you want your future husband to be King Regent?"

"I want him to do whatever makes him comfortable," she said before adding with a grin, "but secretly, calling him King would really spice things up."

Her playful comment elicited laughter from the room, and even I chuckled before the crowd launched into their next round of questions.

We boarded the ship and headed back to the Palace.

"So, what trials were they referring to?" Shauna asked.

"The King, whether Regent or not, has to demonstrate knowledge of the Solar and show physical strength, among other things," I explained.

"What? Do they check your hymen too?" she joked.

"I hope not," I chuckled. "The only hymen I could use has been broken, and my child needs whatever's left."

She laughed, and I added, "But really, if you don't want me to go through the trials, I'll be content just where I am."

She reached out and held my hand. "Whether you want to be King Regent or not, I'll support you either way."

I kissed her hand. "I think you being Queen Regent is enough. Me being King won't change anything."

When we returned to the Palace, Trevor met us at the door, giving Shauna a warm hug and shaking my hand in congratulations. Kiser stood nearby, clearly less enthused. She approached me.

"If you hurt my sister, I'll chop your nuts off and feed them to the Corin," she said with a menacing grin before going over to give Shauna a hug.

The King and Torell soon entered and called me over.

"The people have spoken," Torell said. "They want you to go through the King Regent trials before you two marry."

"So soon?" I asked, a bit taken aback.

"Some believe you're only in love to gain power," Torell continued. "If you pass the trials, all doubts will be put to rest."

Shauna, overhearing, approached. "We've already discussed this. He doesn't want to go through with it."

"Well, I guess he shouldn't have offered a people's decision on live camera," Torell retorted.

The King intervened. "We'll push the trials to after your Queen Regent ceremony. That'll give you time to prepare."

"So, what will he have to do?" Shauna asked.

"He's smart, so he'll pass the written, political, and aptitude tests easily," Torell explained. "But it's the physical aspect that concerns me."

"He's no fighter," Shauna protested.

Torell nodded. "Since you can't kill during these trials, you need to learn to attack strategically. We'll arrange something with the Bellicose. Go pack a bag. You're heading to Vantage until further notice."

He gave the order as if I were a subordinate, but I remained composed. I glanced at Shauna and could see her worry.

In my room, she began fretting about the fighting.

"Who will you fight?" she asked.

"Some Interlopers and Bellicose," I replied.

"Seriously? Bellicose are strong, and paired with Interlopers, you could die," she said, her concern clear.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I joked lightly.

"Stop joking. I've never seen you fight head-on. I'm worried."

I felt a hint of irritation but kept my tone calm. "You know I have three different species' bloodlines. They're not worried about me; they're worried I'll kill them. Viper and Hawk have already texted me, saying they'll train me. Please stop worrying and be by my side the way I am with you."

I kissed her, and she kissed me back. I could smell her growing desire, and it aroused me. I took off her dress, and noticed her stomach was growing.

She tried to hide it, but all I could do was kiss her belly.

"I've been reading up, and I don't know why I'm showing so early," she said.

"You look beautiful," I assured her.

She smiled, and I pulled her to bed. Her scent kept changing, driving me wild. I've never been around a Corin pregnancy, but I can't imagine how anyone could contain themselves. Later that afternoon, I headed to Vantage to start training.

Shauna

Three days have passed since Cell left for training, and I've been going crazy. During council meetings, my attention has been elsewhere. My relationship with Kiser has been strained since the pregnancy announcement. Trevor is always busy, and Siren is frequently away on Species Relations business. I feel alone without Cell, and I'm unsure what to do.

After the meeting, I approached Kiser and Trevor.

"What are you two doing tonight?" I asked.

"Nothing for me," Trevor replied.

"What about we order a bunch of food and watch movies?" I suggested.

Trevor seemed okay with the idea.

"So now that your boyfriend is gone, we're suddenly important?" Kiser scoffed.

"Seriously, you've been with Torell every moment of the day, and I say nothing. I'm happy for you. Why can't you be happy for me?" I asked.

"He's not right for you. You're not the person he's making you out to be," she said.

"I've always been this person, Ki. I need you to support me the way I support you," I pleaded.

She looked at the floor, seemingly lost in thought, but as she began to speak, I felt dizzy and fainted.

When I woke up, I was in bed, with a doctor examining me.

"She's due any day now," the doctor said.

"How is that possible? She just found out a few weeks ago," Kiser asked, bewildered.

"Corins can have children anywhere from 9 to 12 weeks. I'd say she's approaching that limit," he explained.

"But she's not Corin," Kiser protested.

"No, but the babies are," the doctor replied.

"Babies?" I croaked, still groggy.

"Yes, according to the ultrasound, you have a boy and a girl. The girl seems smaller, so perhaps she was conceived after the boy. Princess, you need rest. I understand you have responsibilities, but you should handle them from bed."

He packed up his equipment and left the room, leaving me overwhelmed. I began to cry.

"Do you want me to call Cell?" Kiser asked gently.

"No, he needs to focus on training. He'll be back Friday for my Regent Rise. I'll tell him then. I don't know what I need," I said through my tears.

"You have me," Kiser said, getting into bed and holding me close.

Friday arrived and I remained in bed as much as possible, adhering to the doctor's orders. A few hours before I was due to get dressed, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," I called, half-expecting a servant or maybe Kiser. Instead, Cell walked in.

"Wow, of all the times you could knock, you choose when I am pregnant and almost your wife," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"What are you still doing in bed?" he asked, bending to kiss me gently.

"The doctor thought it best," I explained. His brow furrowed.

"What?" he pressed.

"I fainted a few days ago. The doctor says I'm due any day now and should rest," I shared.

"Why didn't you call me? I would've come back," he said, concern etching his features.

"I know, and that's exactly why I didn't call. You needed to focus on your training, not worry about me," I reasoned.

"It's my job to worry about you and our child," he asserted, sitting beside me on the bed. I avoided his gaze, knowing there was more he needed to hear.

"What else, Shauna?" he probed, sensing my hesitation.

"We're having twins. A boy and a girl," I revealed. He paused, absorbing the news, not upset, just overwhelmed.

"They could arrive any day now. I thought we had more time to prepare to be parents," he confessed.

"You're going to be an incredible father," I reassured him. "Just love them as you love me."

He helped me to dress, his movements gentle and protective, as if trying to preserve the moment. We then headed to the ballroom where my father awaited us at the altar, his face alight with pride.

Cell escorted me forward, and once again, I kneeled before my father.

"Princess Shauna, you have been deemed qualified beyond comparison, even to myself, to become Queen Regent. Will you accept the responsibilities, uphold the safety of the Solar, and selflessly lead, no matter the consequences?" he intoned solemnly.

"I will," I affirmed.

"You have kneeled as a Princess, now rise a Queen Regent," he declared.

Cell assisted me to stand, careful not to let me strain myself. My father then replaced my princess crown with the heavier crown of a Queen Regent. I sat on the throne for the remainder of the evening, conserving my strength. Next week would bring Cell's trials, and I needed to be there without the risk of going into labor prematurely.