Chapter 212: A New Beginning (2)
The clamour in the council chamber came to an abrupt stop the moment Rowan stepped inside, and every minister immediately rose to their feet before bowing their heads.
He walked to his seat without an ounce of emotion crossing his face and settled into it, his gaze sweeping across every person present. For all he knew, the traitors he was searching for could be sitting right there among them, wearing calm expressions while plotting against the crown. After a brief silence, he finally spoke. "I know the rumour about Alaric’s son has been spreading throughout Eryndor and creating unrest across the kingdom," he began.
"Some are already saying the kingdom will be divided, Your Majesty," Griswold spoke.
Rowan’s eyes shifted to him immediately, narrowing ever so slightly. "I would appreciate it if there were no interruptions until I have made my point clear," he declared sharply, and at once the room fell silent as the atmosphere grew noticeably heavier around them.
"Alaric’s son, Julian, has already been examined by the royal physician and he is indeed of royal blood. Therefore, I will personally take him under my protection, and let no one think they can take advantage of that. Anyone who raises a hand against my blood is declaring themselves my enemy as well." His firm voice echoed through the council hall, and several ministers exchanged uneasy glances before lowering their eyes again, keeping whatever thoughts they had to themselves.
"As for the claim that Alaric’s son has the greater right to the throne, that claim holds no weight before mine. Julian may be Alaric’s son, but let it be remembered that Alaric himself was an usurper. He committed treason against the crown and forfeited every legitimate claim to it long before his death. Since his claim was never lawful, Julian cannot inherit what Alaric himself never rightfully possessed, unless those spreading this argument are deliberately attempting to incite rebellion against the throne." Rowan allowed those words to settle over the chamber because, beyond Alaric’s failed claim, his own position had always been far stronger.
He had been chosen by King Harold himself to inherit the throne, and that alone outweighed every rumour currently circulating throughout the kingdom.
He allowed silence to linger for a few moments before looking around once more. "Does anyone have something to say?" he asked evenly.
The ministers glanced at one another, each waiting to see who would dare speak first. Eventually, one of the elderly ministers stepped forward with a respectful bow. "Everything Your Majesty has said is clearly understood," the old man began.
"However, another matter has resurfaced alongside these rumours. The kingdom is concerned because the king has yet to produce an heir, and many fear what would happen should anything unfortunate happen to Your Majesty..." His voice gradually faded, but several others quietly nodded in agreement.
"The kingdom will have its heir when I decide it is time," Rowan answered firmly as he rose from his seat. "If there is nothing else to discuss, then this meeting is adjourned."
Without sparing another glance toward anyone in the chamber, he turned and strode out of the council hall, leaving behind an uncomfortable silence that lingered long after he was gone.
Rosalind should have awakened, and the physician would already have finished examining her. That thought alone was enough to pull Rowan away from everything that had happened in the council chamber as he made his way back to their quarters.
When he pushed open the chamber door, he found Rosalind standing by the balcony, and she turned at the sound. "You came back early," she said.
"I had to," Rowan replied as he crossed the room to join her by the balcony.
"Don’t you need to rest?" he asked while taking his place beside her, only then noticing that she had been scattering feed for his white bird, which happily pecked at the grains before fluttering onto the balcony railing.
Rosalind smiled at the bird before looking up at him. "What happened in the council chamber? I imagine it has something to do with everything that’s been happening across Eryndor."
"It does," Rowan admitted calmly as his eyes settled on hers. "But I already have it under control."
"I know you do," Rosalind replied.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. Rowan slowly released the tension that had settled in his shoulders before resting both hands against the balcony railing. The morning breeze drifted between them, carrying with it a rare moment of peace that he desperately needed after the council meeting.
"So..." he finally said, turning to face her completely. "What did the physician say?" he asked quietly.
Rosalind swallowed as she searched his face for a moment before answering. "He said... I’m pregnant."
Rowan froze where he stood.
"I suppose it isn’t all that surprising," Rosalind continued with a small, nervous smile. "I’ve missed my monthly period, and we certainly haven’t done a very good job of staying away from each other."
The words slowly settled into Rowan’s mind, and although he had quietly suspected that pregnancy might be the reason behind her dizziness and sickness, hearing it confirmed was something entirely different.
The realization that they were going to have a child struck him so unexpectedly that, for a brief moment, he simply stared at her. Then he straightened, closed the distance between them, and gently took both of her hands into his.
"I know this isn’t exactly the right time," Rosalind admitted softly. "Everything happening throughout Eryndor is already causing you enough stress, and I know this will only bring even more responsibilities."
"No, Rosalind," Rowan interrupted gently, his fingers tightening around hers. "We’ll face everything together, and I’ll be right beside you through all of it. You won’t have to carry any of this alone."
She looked into his eyes before slowly nodding.
"The council may be talking about heirs," Rowan continued, "but I won’t allow anyone to place that burden on your shoulders. If everything becomes overwhelming or if the pressure ever feels too much, then remember that you have a husband you can always lean on."
A smile slowly spread across Rosalind’s face.
When the physician had told her she was carrying their child, her first emotion had not been excitement but worry because the kingdom was already drowning in uncertainty, and Rowan was carrying the weight of it every single day.
She had feared becoming another burden for him and wondered if the timing could have been any worse. Yet now, standing before him and hearing those reassuring words, all of that anxiety gradually melted away, leaving behind nothing but warmth, relief, and quiet happiness. "Thank you so much," she whispered.
Rowan stepped forward without another word, wrapped his arms around her, and held her close before lowering his head to press a gentle kiss against her forehead. "I’ll always love you, Rosalind."
