"To your left!" Atlantis drilled, his sword clashing against hers, nearly sending her flying. Ren's muscles protested against the force behind the sword. The usual sweet and caring Atlantis she was accustomed to now reminded her of an army drill sergeant. She had spent most of the day being pushed to her limits.

"You need to hold your sword correctly or you'll break your wrist," the merman muttered, his eyes narrowed with focus as he adjusted her grip with a firm but gentle touch.

"Again!" Atlantis barked, stepping back with his blade raised. Ren's arms ached from the constant repetitions, but she steadied her breath, her eyes locking onto him. She gripped the hilt tighter this time, focusing on the shift of her balance.

Their blades clashed with a metallic ring, sending vibrations through her arms. She gritted her teeth, pushing back against him with everything she had.

"Good," Atlantis said, his voice still sharp but tinged with approval. "But you're still thinking too much. Don't think, feel. Let your instincts guide your hands."

"Easy for you to say," Ren huffed, "I didn't grow up with a sword in my hand."

"And that's why I'm here," Atlantis replied, his eyes locking with hers. "You're not here to be good at this, Ren. You're here to survive. In battle, hesitation will cost you everything." He circled her slowly, his eyes sharp like a predator's. "Again."

Her arms burned, her tail ached, but she raised her sword. This time, when Atlantis's blade came for her, she shifted her weight and deflected it with a sharp clang. Sparks flickered where the blades met, and she twisted her wrist, angling for a counterstrike. Atlantis's eyes widened in surprise as he pulled back just in time.

"There it is," he said, his grin wide with pride. "I knew you had it in you."

A low rumble from the pit of her stomach sent blood rushing to her cheeks. "Sorry, but I'm a little hungry," she muttered, her voice slightly strained from the exhaustion.

"Ren! Atlantis!" Morgan's voice echoed through the training room. They turned to see the slender mer dashing in, his arms piled high with plates of food. "I've brought food!"

Ren's fingers reached out eagerly for the plate of meat that sent her stomach begging. "Oh, thanks, Morgan! I've been starving. I could literally eat a whale!"

Morgan giggled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You better! Since you're eating for two!"

Ren's heart stopped. "For two? What do you mean?" she asked, her voice sharp with confusion.

Morgan blinked, tilting his head as if the answer were obvious. "You mean you don't know?"

She shook her head, her brows furrowed in confusion. "I have no clue what you're talking about."

Morgan and Atlantis exchanged glances, a silent message passing between them. Atlantis's eyes darted to the side, his grin turning bashful as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Heh, I forgot," he muttered, avoiding her gaze.

****************************

Destan arrived back in his quarters, the four guards bowing in respect before stepping aside. He entered, his senses instantly on high alert. Cassio's small, glowing form darted toward him, his arms flailing in a frenzy. "Master!" the faery cried, his tiny voice filled with urgency.

"What is it, Cassio?" Destan's voice was calm but edged with tension as he scanned the room for signs of trouble.

The faery's golden light flashed brighter before settling back into its usual glow. Cassio's wings buzzed as he hovered close to Destan's ear, his voice barely a whisper. "It's about Lady Aceso," he said.

Destan's heart clenched in his chest as he darted to Ace's side. His eyes searched her form for signs of harm. Her skin was pale but unmarred, her dark hair neatly tucked beside her, and blue scales glittered across her back and shoulders like tiny jewels. Her eyes remained closed, her breath soft and even, her lips slightly parted.

"I don't understand," he murmured, his eyes darting back to Cassio. "What has you so alarmed?"

Cassio's light flashed pink. "Well, I'm not sure if you've noticed, Master, but Lady Aceso is expecting a merchild."

Destan's heart stopped. His eyes widened as he slowly turned to face Cassio. "She's... expecting? H-how do you know this?"

Cassio's tiny feet landed lightly on Ace's abdomen. "I can feel it. A new life forming inside her. Her essence has changed."

His mind raced, his breathing shallow. How? he thought frantically. Then it hit him like a wave crashing on the shore. The marriage ceremony. She must have received the light piece.

Cassio's golden eyes widened. "What does this mean? Will she stay with us forever? Will she become the next Diamond Queen?"

Conflicting emotions surged through Destan. Joy flickered in his heart at the thought of a child—his child. But doubt followed close behind. What if she doesn't want this life? What if she rejects me? The weight of uncertainty pressed on him like the depths of the ocean.

He sighed and buried his face in his hands. "Being king is so difficult, Cassio. My father left behind a kingdom ruled by fear. This is all my fault. I did his bidding when I should have stood against him."

A soft warmth pressed against his back. He lifted his head slowly, his gaze locking on Ace's brown eyes as she knelt beside him. Her hand rubbed gentle circles into his back.

"Aceso," he whispered, his heart in his throat. "You're awake."

She said nothing, only pulled him close in a firm embrace. Her warmth seeped into him, grounding him in a way nothing else could. For a moment, the world outside his chambers didn't exist.

"Aceso," Destan's voice was raw, barely a breath.

"Shh, Destan," she murmured, resting her head against his shoulder. "Just breathe. I'm here."

He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheekbone. Their eyes met, and before he could stop himself, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. It was different this time. Not rushed. Not desperate. This was a promise.

When they pulled away, her eyes searched his face. "What's wrong?" she asked softly, sensing his hesitation.

He drew in a breath, his fingers still tangled in hers. "There's something you need to know."

"What is it?" her eyes never wavered from his, full of trust.

"You're pregnant with my child."

Her eyes widened, her breath hitching. Her hand fell to her abdomen, and her gaze dropped to her belly as if expecting to feel something right away. Slowly, she looked back at him, a smile tugging at her lips. "A child?" she whispered.

Destan's heart swelled as he nodded, his hands cradling her face. "Yes, our child."