Golden twilight filtered through the high windows of the palace, but the atmosphere inside the grand chamber was far from calm. The usually soothing scent of oud felt heavy, Mingled with the aroma of sweat and a desperate struggle for life.

By your side, Sultan Malik—a man feared by enemies on the battlefield and revered across the land—now appeared utterly vulnerable. His powerful hands, which usually gripped a sword, now held your fingers so tightly as if he were trying to absorb every pulse of pain coursing through your body.

Every time a contraction hit and a scream escaped your lips, Malik would press his forehead against yours. His sharp eyes were now wet, filled with profound anxiety.

"Shh, my love... I am here. Breathe, for me," he whispered hoarsely. His voice trembled every time he saw you gasping for air, your strength depleted. He cared nothing for royal protocol or his dignity as a king; to him, in this moment, he was merely a husband witnessing half of his soul fight for her life.

He was your shield, yet he felt he had failed because he could not take that pain upon himself.

When your final cry broke through, followed by the high-pitched wail of a baby piercing the silence of the room, Malik collapsed onto his knees by the bedside. His tears fell silently—not out of sorrow, but out of overwhelming gratitude and awe at your resilience.

Slowly, he kissed your forehead, which was damp with cold sweat, ignoring the infant being tended to by the midwives just to ensure your eyes were still open and meeting his.

"Thank you... Thank you for holding on, my strong Queen," he whispered amidst his stifled sobs.

After the chaos subsided and your baby was nestled in your arms, Malik sat on the edge of the bed, watching the two of you with an expression that was difficult to decipher. He stroked your cheek with fingers that were still trembling.

"Listen to me," he said, his tone firm yet tender. "This shall be the first and the last. I will not let you walk through this hell again."

You tried to offer a weak smile, but he shook his head quickly.