Chapter 34
Celestina sat on the terrace, a book resting in her lap that she hadn’t turned a page of in hours. The sound of footsteps broke her reverie, and she turned to see Kael approaching, a bouquet of white lilies in his hand.
“I thought these might brighten your day,” he said softly, his tone careful.
Celestina sighed, her fingers tightening on the book. “Kael, I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t need flowers.”
“It’s not just the flowers,” he said, setting them on the table. “I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“How do you think I’m doing?” she snapped, her grief spilling into anger. “The man I loved is gone, and I’m left trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces.”
Kael’s expression softened, though her words stung. “I know I can’t replace what you’ve lost, Celestina. But I want to be here for you—however you need.”
She shook her head, her voice trembling. “You weren’t there for me when I needed you most. Why now?”
“Because I was a fool,” he admitted, his voice heavy with regret. “I didn’t see what I had until it was gone. And now, all I want is to make things right.”
Later that evening, Celestina sat at her vanity, brushing her hair absentmindedly. She had been feeling off for days—exhausted, nauseous, and unusually emotional. At first, she had chalked it up to grief, but the symptoms had grown harder to ignore.
Her maid, Lila, entered the room carrying a tray with a cup of herbal tea. “My lady, you’ve barely eaten today. Are you feeling unwell?”
Celestina hesitated, setting down her brush. “I’m not sure. I’ve been… off.”
Lila frowned, setting the tray down. “Off how? Tired? Nauseous?”
“Yes,” Celestina admitted, her brow furrowing. “And… late.”
Lila’s eyes widened, and a knowing look passed over her face. “My lady, have you considered that you might be…”
Celestina’s breath caught. “No. It can’t be.”
“Perhaps it’s best to find out for certain,” Lila suggested gently.
The next morning, Celestina found herself sitting in the palace infirmary, her heart pounding as the royal physician entered the room.
“Well?” she asked, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.
The physician smiled warmly. “Congratulations, Lady Celestina. You’re pregnant.”
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Celestina’s hand instinctively went to her stomach, her mind racing.
“Pregnant,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” the physician confirmed. “I’ll make sure you have everything you need to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Shall I inform the president?”
“No,” Celestina said quickly, her mind reeling. “Not yet. I… I need time.”
That afternoon, Kael returned to the palace, as persistent as ever. He found Celestina in the sitting room, staring out the window with a faraway look in her eyes.
“Celestina,” he began, stepping cautiously into the room. “I was hoping we could talk.”
She turned to face him, her expression unreadable. “What is it, Kael? Another attempt to convince me you’ve changed?”
Kael hesitated, searching her face for a sign of her mood. “I just want to help you. I know I’ve made mistakes—more than I can count—but I want to be here for you now.”
Celestina laughed bitterly, her hand resting lightly on her stomach. “You want to be here for me now? After years of neglect and indifference?”
“I was blind,” Kael said earnestly, stepping closer. “But I see clearly now. I see you, Celestina. And I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you’ll let me.”
She shook her head, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “It’s too late, Kael. My life has changed. I’ve changed.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, his brow furrowing.
Celestina hesitated, then took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant,” she said, her voice steady.
Kael froze, his eyes widening. “Pregnant?”
“Yes,” she confirmed, her hand tightening on the back of the chair. “With Dimitri’s child.”
