The sun streamed gently through the high windows of the royal nursery, its golden light dancing across silk curtains embroidered with the emblem of a lion. The air was warm and faintly scented with lavender — a small luxury Queen Celestia insisted on for her son's comfort.
King Leon stood near the crib, his tall frame casting a protective shadow over the small figure inside. His broad shoulders and strong build made him look every bit the ruler of the kingdom, but at this moment, red eyes were softened, almost hesitant, as he gazed at the baby reaching for his gloved finger.
Leon's hair — dark brown with faint sun-kissed streaks from years under battlefields and training grounds — was neatly tied back, though a loose strand fell against his cheek. He didn't bother pushing it away; Adrian's tiny hand was far more interesting.
Celestia sat nearby in a cushioned chair, her long silver hair flowing over her shoulder like a river of moonlight. Her blue eyes followed every small movement in the crib with a tenderness that even Leon sometimes envied. She wore a soft smile, the kind she reserved only for family, her posture relaxed despite the formality of her royal gown.
"You're staring too hard, Leon," Celestia teased softly, brushing an invisible speck of dust from her dress. "You'll scare him."
Leon's lips curved in a faint smirk. "I've faced armies, Seraphina. If my own son is afraid of me, I should resign my crown."
"Bold words for someone who nearly dropped him the first time you held him," she countered, hiding a laugh behind her hand.
Adrian let out a curious gurgle, his big, bright eyes — locking onto his father's face. He kicked his tiny legs, making the soft blanket rustle.
Leon lowered a hand into the crib, letting the boy grip his index finger. For a moment, the king's imposing presence melted into something almost boyish. "Strong grip," he murmured, his voice low but filled with pride. "He'll be able to hold a sword sooner than expected."
Celestia raised an eyebrow. "He's three months old, Leon."
"And that's three months closer," Leon said with a shrug.
Adrian, unaware of his father's ambitions, seemed more interested in trying to pull the man's finger into his mouth. Leon chuckled, a rare and genuine sound, as he let the boy win his little tug-of-war.
"You see?" Leon said, glancing at his wife. "Determined already. That's my son."
Celestia rose from her chair and walked over, her gown whispering against the polished floor. She leaned into the crib, brushing a kiss against Adrian's forehead. "Our son," she corrected, her voice warm but firm.
The king's smirk deepened. "Of course. But if he inherits my strength, and my sense of strategy—"
"—Then he'll also need my patience to deal with your ego," Seraphina finished, giving him a pointed look.
Leon laughed quietly and slipped an arm around her waist. For a brief moment, they stood together over the crib, the air between them filled with unspoken promises — not just to each other, but to the small life they had brought into the world.
Outside, the faint sound of guards changing shifts echoed through the halls, a reminder that beyond this peaceful nursery lay a kingdom full of challenges. But in here, there was only the warmth of sunlight, the steady breathing of a child, and the quiet bond of a family.
Leon gently pulled the blanket higher over Adrian's chest, his gaze softening once more. "Rest well, little one. The world will wait until you're ready. Celestia smiled faintly, placing her hand over Leon's. "And until then… we'll make sure you have all the time you need."
Adrian let out a small sigh in his sleep, his tiny fingers still curled around his father's. The king and queen stayed there a while longer, just watching — two rulers, a warrior and a lady, but above all, parents.