The news of Cecilia's pregnancy spread quickly through the halls of Rivendel, a ripple of excitement and anxiety in equal measure.

The future heir to both Azmariah and Rivendel was now more than just a hope-

it was a reality.

The pressure on Cecilia and Leo had never been greater, and the entire kingdom was abuzz with anticipation.

Cecilia sat by the window in their chambers, her hand resting gently on her slightly rounded belly.

She could feel the weight of expectation from all sides-both her homeland of Azmariah and her new home in Rivendel.

It was as if the future of both kingdoms was resting on her shoulders, and it was a burden she couldn't escape.

Leo entered the room, his expression unreadable as he approached her.

He had been quieter than usual since learning of her pregnancy, his moods shifting unpredictably as he wrestled with the responsibilities and fears that came with impending fatherhood.

"Everyone is talking about the baby," Cecilia said softly, not looking up from the view outside.

"The advisors, the servants, the nobles-

they all have their own opinions about what this child means for our kingdoms."

Leo sighed, running a hand through his hair as he joined her by the window.

"It's not just about the baby, Cecilia. It's about everything-our marriage, our alliances, our future. Everyone's expectations are suffocating us, and it's only going to get worse."

Cecilia nodded, understanding his frustration. "I know. But we have to focus on what's important-protecting our child, securing peace between our kingdoms. We can't let the pressure break us."

Leo's eyes softened as he looked at her, his hand resting on hers.

"You're right. We have to stay strong, for the baby's sake.

But it's hard to focus on peace when war is knocking at our door."

♡♡♡

The situation in Azmariah had grown more dire by the day.

King Ferdinand's erratic behavior had escalated, and rumors of his madness spread like wildfire.

The kingdom was teetering on the brink of chaos, with nobles and commoners alike questioning his ability to rule.

When news of Cecilia's pregnancy reached Azmariah, it should have been a cause for celebration, a symbol of hope and renewal.

Instead, it only deepened the rift between the two kingdoms.

For King Ferdinand, the child represented a loss of control, a threat to his authority.

He saw the future heir as a pawn in Rivendel's hands, a symbol of his kingdom's submission.

Desperate to assert his dominance, King Ferdinand made outrageous demands, insisting that Rivendel provide more weapons and resources than originally agreed upon in their marriage alliance.

He threatened war, using Cecilia's safety as leverage to force Rivendel's hand.

Cecilia was horrified when she learned of her father's ultimatum.

The man she had once looked up to as a pillar of strength and wisdom was now little more than a tyrant, driven by political mania and desperation.

She knew that returning to Azmariah, even to negotiate, would be a dangerous move, but she couldn't stand by and watch her father destroy everything she cared about.

"I have to go to him," Cecilia told Leo one evening, her voice steady but filled with determination.

"I have to try and talk sense into him before this escalates any further. If he truly cares about me and our child, he'll listen."

Leo's expression darkened with concern.

"Cecilia, you know how unstable your father has become. What if he uses you as a bargaining chip?

What if he tries to keep you there, or worse?"

"I have to try," Cecilia insisted. "This is my responsibility, Leo. I won't let our child be born into a world at war, not if I can do something to stop it."

Leo's gaze softened, seeing the fierce resolve in her eyes.

He knew there was no stopping her once she had made up her mind.

"If you go, then I'm coming with you. I won't let you face him alone."

Cecilia nodded, relieved that he would be by her side.

They would face this together, no matter how difficult the road ahead might be.

The journey to Azmariah was tense, filled with uncertainty.

As they arrived at the palace, the atmosphere was thick with unease.

The once-grand halls now seemed like a prison, the walls closing in as they made their way to the throne room.

King Ferdinand sat on his throne, a twisted smile on his face as he saw his daughter enter.

"Cecilia, my dear," he crooned, his tone dripping with false warmth.

"You've returned home. And I see you've brought the prince with you. How...predictable."

Cecilia stood tall, refusing to be intimidated by the man who had once been her protector.

"Father, this has to stop," she said firmly.

"These demands, these threats-they're tearing our kingdoms apart.

Think of the future, of your grandchild.

Don't let your pride destroy everything."

Ferdinand's smile faded, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"You think I'm the one destroying everything? It's Rivendel that seeks to strip Azmariah of its power, of its rightful place.

You think you've secured peace with this marriage, but all you've done is hand our kingdom over to our enemies."

Leo stepped forward, his voice cold and authoritative. "You are a paranoid old man, Ferdinand. This alliance was meant to strengthen both our kingdoms, not weaken them.

If you continue down this path, you'll leave Azmariah in ruins."

King Ferdinand's eyes flicked to Leo, a dangerous glint in them.

"And what will you do, Prince of Rivendel? Start a war to take what's left of Azmariah?

You forget, my daughter is still of this kingdom, and so is her child."

Cecilia's heart pounded in her chest, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

She knew Leo was struggling to keep his composure, his protective instincts battling with his desire to avoid conflict.

But then Leo spoke, his voice steady and unwavering.

"I've given you every chance to make peace, Ferdinand. But if you threaten my family, my child, then know this-

I will not hesitate to protect them by any means necessary.

If that means war, then so be it."

The words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the stakes at play.

Cecilia saw the flicker of fear in her father's eyes, a brief moment of clarity in the midst of his madness.

He realized that he had pushed too far, that the threat of war was not an empty one.

King Ferdinand's gaze dropped, the fight draining from him as he slumped back in his throne.

"Take her," he muttered, his voice a mere whisper.

"Take her and go. But remember this, Leo-Azmariah will never forget this betrayal."

Cecilia felt a pang of sorrow as she looked at her father, a man consumed by his own fears.

But she knew there was no turning back now.

She took Leo's hand, and together they left the palace, the weight of their decision heavy on their hearts.

As they boarded the carriage back to Rivendel, Cecilia leaned into Leo, exhaustion and relief washing over her.

"Thank you," she whispered, her hand resting on her belly. "For everything."

Leo wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"We'll get through this, Cecilia. Together."

And as they traveled back to Rivendel, Cecilia knew that their journey was far from over.