At The Gatchina Palace, Russia

Daphne waved away the royal physician, who had just informed her of the cause behind the illness that had plagued her for the past few weeks. The news was life-changing: she was pregnant. After months of trying with her husband, the dream she had longed for—motherhood—was finally within her reach. She had always wanted to be a mother, and now, that wish was coming true.

She exited the royal drawing room, the sound of her heels echoing through the grand corridors of the palace. Servants quickly moved aside, bowing their heads as she passed, offering quiet reverence. Daphne walked with purpose, her heart racing with excitement, until she reached the door of her husband's office. With a gentle knock, she entered without waiting for a response.

"My love," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and anticipation, "may I have a moment of your time? There is something important I wish to discuss."

Her gaze fell on her husband, the Grand Duke of Finland, the man destined to inherit the Russian throne as the brother of Emperor Alexander I. He was deeply engrossed in paperwork, his right-hand man, Count Boris, standing nearby. As Daphne entered, Count Boris gave a respectful bow, acknowledging her presence.

Her husband looked up from his desk, pausing his work. With a slight nod, he set down his pen, his attention now fully on his wife. His eyes met hers, a silent question in them, as he waited for her to speak.