Soraya's POV
Silence swallowed the room after Princess Seraphine's question.
"You… have a son?"
Every breath felt trapped in my chest.
Slowly, I rose with Liam still clutched tightly in my arms. My heart hammered as I met the princess's stunned gaze.
"Yes, my princess," I said quietly.
Her eyes softened as she stepped closer to us. She crouched before Liam, her royal grace easing into something warm and gentle.
"What is your name, little one?" she asked softly.
Liam blinked up at her, unafraid. "Liam."
A smile curved her lips as she gently touched his head. "Liam," she repeated fondly. Then her gaze lifted back to me. "And his father?"
My chest tightened.
I glanced at Jenny… at Pa James… at Ma Cecilia.
Then I swallowed. "He is dead, my princess."
Pity flickered across her face. "I am sorry," she said sincerely. "That is a heavy burden for both mother and child."
