Chapter Twenty Six: Stolen Moment

The first sound Elara registered as she blinked awake was Kaelen's voice, a low rumble that vibrated through the phone nestled against her ear. "Elara?" he murmured, his voice thick with sleep, or perhaps just the inherent richness of his tone.

Panic flared in her chest. Had the call been on all night? She scrambled to sit up, disentangling herself from the surprisingly comfortable guest room sheets. "Kaelen? Is... is the call still on?"

A chuckle, warm and intimate, filled her ear. "It is. Or rather, it was. I've been awake for hours, just listening to you breathe. Waiting for you to wake up."

Elara's cheeks flushed crimson. Hours? She glanced at the bedside clock. Almost ten. She'd slept far later than she intended. "I'm so sorry. I must have drifted off. I didn't mean to..."

"Don't apologize," he interrupted, his voice softening. "It was... peaceful. Knowing you were there. I'm currently stood in your garden right now. I wanted to be closer to you while we speak." He paused. "How did you sleep?"

She hesitated. "Well, thank you. How about you?"

"I did okay, the thought of seeing you today kept me going. I can't believe it's happening."

Elara padded into the en-suite bathroom, splashing water on her face. "I'm going to take a bath. I'll call you back when I'm done."

"No need," Kaelen said quickly. "I'll stay on. Unless you'd rather I didn't?" A hint of playful teasing laced his words.

The thought of him listening to her shower, even just the sounds of the water running, sent a shiver down her spine. It felt so incredibly intimate. And forbidden. "No, it's... it's fine," she stammered, turning on the tap.

She kept him talking while she drew the bath, filling the room with fragrant steam. She asked him about his morning, about the political briefings he no doubt had to endure, about anything and everything to keep the awkwardness at bay. He answered readily, his voice a steady, comforting presence as she undressed and slipped into the warm water.

Even through the phone, she could sense his attentiveness, the way he focused solely on her words. No one had ever listened to her like this before. Not even... not even Damon, in the beginning.

By the time she emerged from the bath, wrapped in a fluffy towel, she felt strangely lighter, as if she'd washed away some of the weight that had been pressing down on her. She blow-dried her hair, letting it fall in dark, glossy waves down her back. She checked the main bedroom before heading out to the kitchen, as expected, it was empty. Damon and his guest were long gone. She made herself a quick breakfast of toast and fruit, still talking to Kaelen, who patiently listened to her every rambling thought.

"What are your plans for today?" Kaelen asked after a comfortable silence.

Elara sighed, swirling the spoon in her yogurt. "I have a doctor's appointment. Just a routine check-up to see how the babies are doing."

"I want to come with you," he said immediately, his voice laced with a possessiveness that made her heart flutter.

She sobered. "You can't, Kaelen. You know that. I'm a mated omega, heavily pregnant with my mate's pups. You're the Crown Prince. If we're seen together..."

"I don't care," he said fiercely. "I want to be there for you, Elara. For them."

She knew he meant it. Kaelen was fiercely protective, almost to a fault. But the risks were too great. "It's too dangerous. Damon would find out. The pack would find out. It would ruin you."

A frustrated sigh echoed through the phone. "Then change your plans," he said, his voice softening again. "Come with me. There's a renowned specialist in a city just outside the kingdom. We can go there. No one will recognize us."

She hesitated. The idea was tempting, incredibly so. To spend a day with Kaelen, away from the suffocating constraints of her life, felt like a dream. But Damon... what if he noticed she was gone?

"What if Damon asks where I am?" she voiced her concern. "He might get suspicious if I disappear for the whole day."

"Don't worry about Damon," Kaelen reassured her. "I'll send a representative from the palace to discuss some... work related stuff with him. I could also make him go take a look at a bunch of land space for the project. Keep him occupied for the day."

The relief she felt was immense. Kaelen had thought of everything. "Okay," Elara breathed, a hesitant smile gracing her lips. "Okay, I'll go with you."

"Meet me at the old Willow Creek Bridge" Elara said.

"I would love to pick you up myself. No! I will do anything for you, just let me pick you up." Kaelen's voice sounded so desperate.

"No, Kaelen, you can't pick me up in a convoy. Not even in an expensive car that attract unwanted attention. I'm a mated omega, remember? If we're seen together that would raise questions no one wants to answer"

He sighed in defeat, "Okay, as you wish. But promise me you will let me make it up to you one day."

Elara laughed, "Okay, Your Highness, I promise but for now, Willow Creek Bridge. Don't be late."

"I will never be late for you, Elara."

____

Elara arrived at the Willow Creek Bridge, the wind whipping playfully at her hair. A sleek, black sedan was parked discreetly beneath the shade of the ancient willow tree. Kaelen, dressed in casual jeans and a simple sweater, leaned against the car, looking every bit the approachable, handsome man she'd come to know and love. No guards, no fanfare, just Kaelen.

He straightened as she approached, his eyes lighting up. "Elara," he said, his voice low and filled with a warmth that chased away the morning chill. He opened the passenger door for her, his touch lingering on her hand as she slid into the car.

The drive was comfortable, filled with easy conversation and stolen glances. Kaelen was an excellent driver, navigating the winding roads with a practiced ease. Elara found herself relaxing, allowing herself to simply enjoy the moment, the feeling of being free, even if just for a day.

____

The hospital outside the kingdom was modern and discreet. Kaelen had clearly arranged everything in advance, as they were ushered into the specialist's office almost immediately. The female doctor, with kind eyes and a gentle smile, greeted them warmly.

After a thorough examination, including an ultrasound that allowed them to see the two tiny figures growing within her, the doctor sat them down in her office. "Mrs. Robin," she began, her expression becoming slightly more serious. "Have you been seeing a doctor regularly throughout your pregnancy?"

"Yes, I have," Elara replied, a knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach.

The doctor nodded. "And did your doctor mention anything about the position of your cervix?"

Elara frowned. "He said everything looked normal. Why? Is something wrong?"

The doctor hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Well, Mrs. Elara, your cervix isn't opening or softening in preparation for delivery. In fact," she paused, making sure not to sound offensive. "It's like a virgin's."

Elara let out a brief laugh. "Yes, I know that, Doctor. I've always been a virgin. My doctor knows that as well. I got pregnant through IVF, my doctor reassured me that something can be done about it before my delivery date."

The doctor nodded in understanding. "Penetration, whether through intercourse or other means like medical devices, can help soften and dilate the cervix. I would advise you to consider it seriously in the coming weeks."

Elara felt her cheeks burn. She glanced at Kaelen, who was watching her with a concerned expression. This was a conversation she definitely hadn't anticipated.