126

126
Chapter 126

The afternoon was heavy with grief and tension, the skies gray as though the heavens themselves mourned what was about to take place. The kingdom square was filled with nobles, guards, and commoners, all gathered to witness justice being carried out. The execution stage stood tall and grim, two nooses swaying lightly in the cool breeze. Leandro and Thomas were brought out in shackles, their heads held high despite the fate that awaited them. Their mothers were forced to stand at the front, watching, their faces pale and eyes red from weeping.

Federico arrived with his royal guards, his expression unreadable, every step he took radiating authority. Azalea sat beside him in a chair set slightly apart, her hands resting over her slightly rounded stomach protectively. The crowd fell silent as the royal herald read out the charges — conspiracy against the crown, attempted murder of the king and queen, and treason against the throne. Each word struck the air like a hammer, leaving no room for doubt.

Leandro sneered bitterly, glancing toward Federico. “You think killing us will make you a strong king? This kingdom will always remember that you murdered your own blood.”

Federico didn’t flinch. “You chose this fate when you plotted to spill innocent blood, including that of my unborn child. Justice must be served.”

Thomas let out a dark laugh. “You think your reign will last? You think Azalea’s child will be safe? You’ve just started a war that will not end with us.”

Azalea’s gaze hardened, but she said nothing. The executioner stepped forward, placing the ropes around the brothers’ necks. The silence was deafening, broken only by the mothers’ soft, helpless sobs. Federico raised his hand, and with a single command, the executioner pulled the lever.

The wooden planks beneath Leandro and Thomas gave way, their bodies dropping, the ropes snapping tight. Gasps erupted from the crowd, some people turned away, while others watched grimly as justice was carried out. Their mothers cried openly, wailing as their sons’ bodies hung limp, swaying in the air.

Federico stood, his face unreadable, and ordered the guards to remove the bodies after confirmation of death. “Let this be a reminder to all,” he said, his voice carrying over the crowd, “that betrayal will never be tolerated in this kingdom. The safety of this land and its people will always come first.”

Later that day, word traveled swiftly to the neighboring clan. Mack sat in his mother’s empty chambers when a servant entered, delivering the news of Ophelia’s death. He froze, staring blankly at the wall as the words sank in. Ophelia — gone. The one person who stood beside him in his schemes is now dead at Azalea’s hands.

When he asked about the state of the clan, the servant hesitated before saying, “A new alpha has been chosen. The council stripped you of your rights after Ophelia’s betrayal and death. You are no longer recognized as a leader or even a noble. You are… just Mack now.”

He sat there, numb, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. Everything was gone — his status, his wife, his power. He was nothing but a shadow of what he once was.

Far away, in the royal palace, Azalea lay resting in Federico’s arms after the heavy day. “It’s over,” she whispered, but her heart still felt heavy. Federico kissed her forehead softly. “It’s over for them,” he said, “but we will remain vigilant. This kingdom and our child will always come first.”

The solemn afternoon ended with a quiet meal in the palace. The kingdom had witnessed justice, but the shadows of betrayal still lingered, a reminder of how fragile peace could be.

___

Months passed, and peace began to settle over the land as Federico ruled with fairness and strength, while Azalea’s presence brought calm and reassurance to the people. Her pregnancy became a symbol of hope for the kingdom — proof that even after betrayal and bloodshed, life could still flourish.

Finally, the day arrived. Azalea woke before dawn with a sharp pain that made her gasp. Vicky, who slept nearby, immediately sprang up, calling for the midwives and Federico. Within minutes, the palace was bustling with quiet but urgent activity. Federico rushed into the room, his face pale but determined to stay strong for his queen.

“It’s time,” Azalea whispered, clutching his hand tightly.

Federico knelt beside her, brushing the damp strands of hair from her forehead. “I’m right here,” he assured her softly. “You’re strong, Azalea. Our daughters will be here soon.”

Hours passed, the palace echoing with the sounds of midwives working and Azalea’s cries of pain. Federico stayed with her through every moment, refusing to leave her side. His heart ached to see her suffer, but pride and love burned in his chest as he watched her fight through the labor with courage.

And then — the first cry filled the room. A baby girl, healthy and strong, was placed into Azalea’s arms. Tears streamed down her face as she kissed the tiny forehead, her heart swelling with love.

But it wasn’t over yet. Moments later, another cry followed. The midwives smiled and announced that the second child had arrived safely.

Twin girls.

Federico’s eyes glistened with tears as he looked at them — two perfect little bundles, tiny fists waving in the air. He kissed Azalea’s hand, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve given me not one, but two princesses,” he whispered. “Isabella and Isadora… they are perfect.”

Azalea smiled weakly, exhausted but overjoyed. “You chose the names well,” she murmured. “Our little blessings.”

The entire palace rejoiced when the news spread. Bells rang in celebration, and the people gathered outside the palace gates to cheer for their new princesses. It was a moment of happiness that seemed to wash away the bitterness of the past months.

Federico sat beside Azalea’s bed, holding one daughter while Azalea held the other. “Everything is okay now,” he said softly. “Our family is complete.”

Azalea nodded, her heart full as she gazed at her husband and their daughters. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly at peace. The future seemed bright, and she knew they would face whatever came next — together.