The news of Cecilia's bold decision to return to Azmariah spread like wildfire across Rivendel.

But amidst the political turmoil and the delicate plans being set into motion, another piece of news captured the kingdom's attention-

the arrival of Queen Isabella, Cecilia's mother, who had been living in seclusion for years.

Queen Isabella was a figure of mystery and grace, known for her wisdom and strength during her reign alongside King Ferdinand.

Her decision to step away from the throne had been sudden, leading many to speculate about the reasons behind her retreat.

But now, with her daughter's future and the fate of both kingdoms at stake, she had returned.

The palace was abuzz with anticipation as the Queen's carriage approached the grand entrance.

Servants lined the hallways, whispering amongst themselves, while guards stood at attention, their expressions solemn.

Cecilia, standing with Leo at the top of the staircase, felt her heart quicken with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

She hadn't seen her mother in years, and the circumstances of her return were anything but ordinary.

As the carriage came to a stop, the doors opened to reveal Queen Isabella, her presence commanding respect and awe.

She stepped out gracefully, her royal gown flowing behind her, and with a simple nod, she acknowledged the assembled crowd.

Her gaze then lifted to meet Cecilia's, and in that moment, all the years of separation melted away.

Cecilia descended the stairs, her emotions a whirlwind as she approached her mother.

The moment they were close enough, Isabella reached out, pulling Cecilia into a warm embrace.

"My dear Cecilia," she whispered, her voice filled with both relief and concern.

"I've missed you so much."

Cecilia held onto her mother, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I've missed you too, Mother. So much has happened...

I didn't know if you would ever return."

Isabella pulled back slightly, cupping Cecilia's face in her hands.

"I returned because you need me. Your father... our kingdom... they're in grave danger.

But we will face it together, my dear. You're not alone."

Leo watched the reunion from a short distance, feeling a sense of respect for the Queen.

He had heard stories of her strength and wisdom, and seeing her now, he understood why she was revered by so many.

As they made their way inside the palace, he knew that Queen Isabella's return would be a turning point in their struggle to secure the future of both kingdoms.

♡♡♡

The tension in the air was palpable as Cecilia felt the first pangs of labor.

The Queen, her mother, was by her side, her hands trembling slightly despite her composed demeanor.

Her eyes were locked on Cecilia, filled with a mixture of anxiety and joy at the imminent birth of her grandchild.

It was a momentous occasion, the birth of a new heir, a symbol of unity between two once-warring kingdoms.

Cecilia's breathing grew heavy, her pain evident as she clutched the edges of the bed.

The room was filled with the hushed whispers of the midwives, the occasional clinking of metal tools, and the heavy scent of burning incense intended to calm both mother and child.

The Queen gently brushed Cecilia's hair back, her voice soothing.

"You're doing well, my dear. Soon, this pain will bring forth the greatest joy."

But despite the reassuring words, the Queen's eyes revealed her true feelings-

a deep worry, not just for Cecilia's well-being, but for the future that this child would inherit.

The tension between the kingdoms was at an all-time high, and she knew that this child's birth would only add more pressure on their already fragile peace.

Hours passed, each one feeling like an eternity, until finally, a piercing cry filled the room.

The midwives moved swiftly, cleaning the newborn and wrapping it in soft linens before handing the child to Cecilia.

She gazed down at her baby, tears of relief and joy streaming down her face.

The Queen, too, wept quietly, her hand resting on Cecilia's shoulder.

"A beautiful baby boy," the Queen whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"A new prince for Rivendel and Azmariah."

But the joy was short-lived. As soon as the baby was settled in Cecilia's arms, the Queen's expression hardened.

She knew there was a message that needed to be delivered, a crucial report to the King.

Leo was supposed to handle it, to bring the news to Cecilia's father, but he was nowhere to be found.

The Queen's eyes narrowed as she called for the palace guards, her voice sharp.

"Where is Prince Leo? He must inform the King at once."

The guards exchanged nervous glances, each one uncertain.

It was unheard of for Leo to be absent at such a critical moment.

Panic began to creep into the room, and the Queen's fear mirrored Cecilia's, who, despite her exhaustion, began to sense that something was terribly wrong.

As the minutes turned into hours, dread filled the palace.

Whispers spread like wildfire-

rumors of betrayal, of abduction, of enemies lurking in the shadows.

The joy of the newborn's arrival was overshadowed by the terror of Leo's disappearance.

♡♡♡

In the dead of night, far from the safety of the palace, Leo was bound and blindfolded in a dark, damp chamber.

His head throbbed from the blows he had received during his capture.

He strained against his restraints, his mind racing as he tried to piece together what had happened.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber, and soon, a figure appeared.

It was Wendy, a mercenary known for her ruthlessness and precision.

She approached Leo with a cold, calculating look in her eyes, but there was a flicker of something else-

curiosity.

"You're probably wondering why you're here," Wendy said, her voice a low, mocking drawl.

Leo didn't respond, his eyes narrowing as he studied her.

Wendy stepped closer, her knife glinting in the dim light as she twirled it between her fingers.

"The KING ordered this, you know," she continued, her tone almost casual.

"But I can't help but wonder why. Why would he want his own daughter's husband out of the picture, especially now?"

Leo remained silent, his mind working furiously.

He had known that his father-in-law was a calculating man, but this?

This was beyond anything he had imagined.

Wendy's eyes bore into his, searching for answers.

"You're going to tell me everything, Prince.

Because, honestly, I'm not sure I like the idea of working for a madman."

Leo's lips twitched into a bitter smile.

"The KING is desperate," he said slowly.

"Desperate enough to try and control the future of both kingdoms by any means necessary."

Wendy's expression shifted, her curiosity turning to something more dangerous-

interest.

She leaned in closer, her knife stopping its dance.

"Go on."

Leo met her gaze unflinchingly.

"He thinks that by getting rid of me, he can manipulate Cecilia, bend her to his will. But he underestimates her, and me.

Whatever he's planning, it won't work."

Wendy studied him for a moment longer before she straightened up, slipping the knife back into its sheath.

"You're an interesting man, Prince Leo. Too bad your father-in-law doesn't see it that way."

The tension in the room thickened, both of them understanding the gravity of the situation.

Leo knew that his life was hanging by a thread, and Wendy knew that her loyalties were being tested.

Back at the palace, the Queen held Cecilia's hand as they waited for any word of Leo.

The joy of the new prince's birth was overshadowed by fear and uncertainty, and Cecilia's heart ached with the unbearable weight of her husband's absence.