chapter 20

Max stirred, slowly waking as the chirping of birds echoed outside. His hand instinctively brushed over the slight curve of his belly, a habit he had picked up in recent weeks. Taking a deep breath, he sat up and got ready for the day.

By the time breakfast was over, Max had already planned his schedule. As he stepped out into the bustling streets of Vireli, he was greeted warmly by the townspeople. Walking through the market, he stopped occasionally to chat with merchants and locals.

One stall caught his attention—a farmer displaying freshly picked vegetables. Max picked up a bunch of radishes and smiled at the vendor. "The produce looks great. How are the fields holding up after the winter?"

The farmer wiped his hands on his apron, smiling back. "They’re doing better now that the frost is gone. We’re expecting a good harvest soon."

"That’s good to hear," Max replied. "If there’s any surplus, let the palace know. We’ll make sure it reaches the people who need it most."

The farmer nodded gratefully. "Of course, Your Grace."

Max continued his walk, talking to other merchants and craftsmen about their concerns. He listened carefully, noting their challenges and offering practical suggestions. It was clear he cared about the people, and they, in turn, trusted him.

By mid-afternoon, Max returned to the palace for a council meeting. The room was already buzzing with chatter when he entered. Alex looked up from his seat and grinned.

"There you are," Alex said, pulling out a chair for Max. "Ready to sort these guys out?"

Max laughed lightly as he sat down. "Always."

The meeting started with updates about the spring festival and plans for accommodating traders and visitors. Max leaned forward, listening intently to the discussion.

"With so many people coming into the city, we’ll need to prepare for overcrowding," one of the ministers said. "The market district will be the busiest."

Max nodded. "We’ll need to set up temporary housing near the city gates to manage the crowd. And extra guards should patrol the market to prevent thefts or any trouble."

Another council member looked unsure. "Temporary housing could be expensive. Are we sure we can afford it?"

Alex spoke up, his tone calm but decisive. "We’ll adjust the festival budget. We don’t need every corner draped in flowers if it means people have a safe place to stay."

Max added, "Exactly. And let’s involve the guilds. They’ll know where extra help is needed and can provide some resources."

The conversation moved on to other matters, and Max stayed focused, contributing ideas where necessary. It was clear that he had become an integral part of these meetings, his practical suggestions and calm demeanor earning the respect of everyone at the table.

After the meeting ended, Alex walked with Max back to their chambers. As they strolled through the palace halls, Alex glanced at Max and said, "You’ve really found your place here, haven’t you?"

Max smiled softly. "I just want to help where I can. It feels good to be involved."

Alex slipped an arm around Max’s waist, pulling him closer. "You’re more than involved. You’re making a real difference."

Max looked up at Alex, his expression warm. "Thanks. That means a lot."

Later That Day

Max stepped out of his chamber, brushing his hands over the fabric of his tunic to smooth the nonexistent wrinkles. His thoughts were elsewhere as he made his way to the Queen Mother’s chamber. The corridors of the palace were quiet at this time of the day, save for the occasional rustle of servants hurrying past.

He knocked lightly on the ornate door before pushing it open. The Queen Mother was seated by the window, a soft breeze fluttering the drapes behind her. She looked up and smiled warmly when she saw him.

“Max,” she greeted, setting her teacup down. “Come in, dear.”

Max entered, offering her a polite bow. “You asked for me?”

She gestured to the seat across from her, and he sat down, his posture poised and graceful, though his curiosity was apparent.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice gentle.

Max smiled. “I’m doing well, thank you. Things have been... changing, of course, but nothing I can’t handle.”

Her gaze softened. “And the pregnancy? Any troubles?”

He hesitated for a moment before answering. “It’s fine. Some days are a bit harder than others, but I think I’ve been lucky so far. Nothing too difficult.”

The Queen Mother chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “That’s because you’re a man, Max. If you were a woman, trust me, things would be far more challenging. By this point in my pregnancy with Alex, I couldn’t go a day without feeling sick.”

Max smiled faintly, his hand brushing over his stomach in an unconscious gesture. “Perhaps I am a bit lucky then.”

Her smile lingered for a moment before her expression grew more serious. “Max, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

He tilted his head slightly, curious. “What is it?”

She leaned forward, resting her hands on the table. “I’ve always supported you in everything you do. I’ve never stopped you from following your heart, going out into the world, helping people, and supporting Alex. But now, I must ask you to make some changes. For your sake and the child’s.”

Max’s smile faltered, a faint shadow passing over his face. “What do you mean?”

“You’re pregnant, Max,” she said softly but firmly. “You can’t keep running around the kingdom, attending council meetings, and managing so much. It’s not safe for you or the child. And while I admire your dedication, I think it’s time you stayed closer to the palace.”

For a moment, Max didn’t respond. His smile had faded completely, and there was a distant look in his eyes. “I see....” he said finally, his tone measured.

The Queen Mother’s voice softened further. “Max, it’s not because you’re not enough. It’s because you’ve done so much already. But this time, I need you to focus on yourself, Alex and the baby. Also, I’d like you to start wearing looser clothes. It’ll be more comfortable and will look decent, and it’ll set a better example.”

Max smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m comfortable as I am. And, as I’ve said before, I’m not a woman. My body isn’t changing in the same way.”

The Queen Mother reached out and placed a hand over his. “Max, I’m not asking this to make you feel less than you are. I’m asking because you’re part of the royal family now, and people will talk. They’ll scrutinize everything. Just... please, consider it. For your own peace of mind.”

Max held her gaze for a moment before nodding slowly. “Alright. I’ll try.”

When he left the chamber, his footsteps were heavy, and his mind was swirling. Her words had stirred up something deep within him—something he thought he had left behind in Ashbourne. The weight of expectations, the constant need to conform, the sense of never truly being enough.

As he walked through the palace, memories of his life in Ashburn flooded back. It had been the same there—always bending to the will of others, always following traditions he didn’t fully understand or agree with.

By the time he reached his chamber, he felt drained. Sitting by the window, he gazed out at the garden, the sunlight casting long shadows across the room. His thoughts turned to his old passions—painting, music, the simple joys that had once brought him peace. Perhaps it was time to return to them.

He picked up a sketchbook from his desk, his fingers brushing over the worn cover. Flipping it open, he began to draw, letting the pencil glide across the page. The lines formed shapes, and the shapes formed a scene—a quiet reflection of the turmoil within him.

For now, this was his escape, his solace. Even if he couldn’t change everything, he could find peace in the strokes of a pencil, the hum of a melody, and the quiet moments where he could simply be himself.