Chapter 107: Gender reveal
The grand hall of the royal palace was bathed in the soft glow of golden lanterns and flickering candlelight, casting a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The air was thick with excitement as nobles, commoners, and friends of the royal family gathered in anticipation. It wasn't just another evening of revelry—it was a celebration that had been long awaited. Tonight, Cain and Selene would finally reveal the gender of their unborn child. The kingdom had been buzzing with speculation for weeks, but the moment was finally here.
Everything had been prepared with care. The hall was adorned with banners in delicate shades of soft blue and pink, symbolizing the mystery that lay within Selene's womb. Lush floral arrangements added to the royal ambiance, and a large, elegantly decorated table stood in the center of the room, holding the box that would unveil the long-awaited secret.
Selene, her belly now noticeably round with their unborn child, stood by Cain's side, a smile of both excitement and nervousness dancing across her face. The two of them had spent weeks preparing for this moment—the moment they would share their joy with the kingdom.
Cain turned to her, his expression filled with affection. His hand gently rested on her belly as he whispered, "Are you ready, my love?"
Selene nodded, a soft glow in her eyes as she turned her gaze toward the box that held the mystery of their child's future. "Yes," she replied, her voice thick with emotion. "Let's share this joy with everyone."
A wave of hushed excitement rippled through the room as Cain turned toward the crowd, his voice steady and strong. "We are so grateful for all of you who have stood by us. Tonight, we are not just celebrating peace or victory—we are celebrating new life, and the promise of the future. Our future."
The crowd was eager for what was to come, murmurs of speculation sweeping through the guests. Would it be a boy? Or a girl? Cain and Selene had kept the secret close to their hearts, building up the suspense to a crescendo. The time had come to reveal the truth.
With a dramatic pause, Cain turned to Selene, a playful grin on his lips. "Shall we, my queen?" he asked, holding out his hand to her.
Selene smiled, her hand slipping into his as they walked together to the table. With a final glance at the crowd, Selene's fingers wrapped around the gold ribbon that sealed the box. The entire room held its breath as the ribbon was gently untied.
With slow, deliberate grace, Selene opened the box, her heart racing as she and Cain shared the moment of anticipation. Inside the box were two balloons—one pink and one blue—resting on a bed of soft, velvet fabric. The crowd gasped in unison, the atmosphere so thick with suspense it was almost tangible.
Cain reached into the box first, pulling out the blue balloon. His voice rang out across the hall, a grin spreading across his face as he held the balloon high for everyone to see. "It's twins!" he exclaimed. "And they're boys!"
The room exploded in cheers and applause. The unexpected announcement—twins—was met with delighted gasps, and then came the joyous shouts as everyone began to celebrate the news of two royal heirs, both boys. The cheers were deafening, echoing off the palace walls.