The evening began to descend, sweeping the Sanctuary with a warm golden light. The people had scattered, and the royal family was gathering in the main dining room. However, Iris chose to sit for a moment in the palace garden, accompanied by the scent of night flowers and the soft whisper of leaves. She gazed at the sky, allowing her hands to cradle her perfectly rounded belly. The gentle night breeze carried the scent of damp earth, adding to the tranquility that enveloped the place.

  Footsteps approached, and Fitran emerged from behind the small trees. He walked silently, his blue mantle loosened, revealing his sturdy figure. His gentle eyes looked at Iris—not as a queen, nor merely as a comrade, but as someone he deeply respected. A faint smile graced his face as he saw Iris in the dim light, as if illuminating the entire garden.

  Fitran:

  “May I sit here for a moment?”

  Iris nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. In those fleeting seconds, her heart beat slowly, as if resisting the calm rhythm of the night. She felt Fitran's presence awaken something that had long been hidden.

  Iris:

  “Of course, tonight the garden feels different. Peaceful… yet full of memories.”

  Fitran sat beside her, synchronizing their breaths in silence. The stillness lingered before he finally spoke in a soft voice, as if sharing a secret with the night. The aroma of jasmine and memories of their time together enveloped them, intensifying the moment.

  Fitran:

  “In the past, I always thought my duty in this world was solely to fight against darkness. But after everything we’ve been through… I realize that being a hero isn’t about swords or titles.”

  Iris turned to look at Fitran in the dim light. The moonlight flowed gently, highlighting the contours of his face, making him appear braver than ever. A faint smile appeared on her lips, a recognition of the depth of feelings they shared.

  Iris:

  “And in your opinion, what is it about?”

  Iris's face trembled slightly as she grasped the grass beside her, as if seeking a hold amidst the doubts that overwhelmed her. She felt a gentle flutter in her belly, a restless anticipation as the words waited to be spoken, longing for an answer that could change everything.

  Fitran:

  “It’s about the courage to stay— even when everyone else has gone. It’s about standing by someone who believes in you, even when you doubt yourself.”

  He gently took Iris's hand, the warm kiss of the night breeze enveloping them. The dim light filtering through the window made Iris's face glow softly, shadows dancing on the wall as if following the rhythm of their united hearts. With deep attention, Fitran traced Iris's belly, feeling the warmth of new life, the gentle heartbeat whispering of hope and a future within. Fitran's hands moved with care and affection, each touch like an unspoken promise to always protect her.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Fitran:

  “My title may change in the eyes of the world, but one thing will never change: I will always be your paladin, Iris. The knight you need, not just for the kingdom, but for you and our child.”

  Iris held back tears of emotion, a warm feeling enveloping her chest. She knew Fitran's words were not just promises; they were a lifelong vow born from unwavering love and trust. She felt the comforting embrace Fitran offered, as if the outside world had vanished, allowing them to exist in a bubble of safety and beauty.

  Iris:

  “You know… all this time I’ve been strong because I’ve never been alone. Even if I spend more time in this palace, busier with diapers and baby cries, I know I won’t be alone.”

  Fitran smiled gently, his eyes shining with love as he gazed at Iris's growing belly. There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he looked back at Iris, seeing strength and vulnerability intertwined. The gentle breeze carried the scent of night flowers from the garden, enhancing the intimate atmosphere in the room. He winked, as if inviting them to share a new secret, letting the warmth of togetherness fill their hearts.

  Fitran:

  “I will be here—every night, every morning. Even if the world demands me to be a king, in front of you, I will always be the Fitran you knew… ready to protect and love you unconditionally.”

  Iris took a deep breath, creating a shadow on her face—an expression mixed with worry and happiness. She rested her head on Fitran's shoulder, feeling the calm envelop her. The sound of Fitran's heartbeat seemed to merge with the song of the night, and she allowed time to slow for a moment, wishing to etch this moment forever in her memory.

  Iris:

  “Thank you… my knight. If our child grows as strong as your heart, this world will surely not fear the darkness again.”

  Fitran caressed Iris's belly once more, feeling a small kick beneath his palm—a gentle wave that seemed to dance, signaling the new life growing within. A faint smile adorned his face, as if the soft moonlight illuminated the tranquil night, and in that moment, all his worries seemed to evaporate. He looked at Iris, his eyes sparkling with gratitude and admiration, as if he had just discovered a star in the dark sky.

  The night sky outside the window radiated a deep blue hue, sprinkled with twinkling stars, as if they were celebrating the happiness of the couple. The warmth from Iris's body leaning against him created a sense of safety in his heart. There was always tranquility in these small moments, where the noise of the world faded away, leaving just the two of them.

  “The darkness may never fully disappear,” Fitran said softly, “but we can be the light within it.” He touched Iris's chin, drawing her closer, and in his gaze, there was a promise written—loyalty and love would always conquer all pain. Iris returned the gaze, her fingers gently tracing the back of Fitran's hand, feeling the warmth and strength flowing from his touch.

  In the stillness of the night, their two hearts were bound by a simple promise: that no matter how high the waves of the world rose, they would always have a place to return to. As the night breeze whispered softly, as if witnessing this bond, Fitran poured all his love into a deep gaze. His arms now held Iris tighter, as if he wanted to carve this moment into every heartbeat. The warm scent of Iris's body, slightly fragrant with flowers that evoked memories of joyful days, filled the air around them, adding intimacy to this simple moment.