The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 314

Ball Preparations-2

“I love you too,” Rana said. “So much.”

The Queen swooped in, wrapping her arms around both of them.

“This calls for a celebration!” she declared. “A grand feast! Music! Dancing! We must announce it to the kingdom!”

“Mother,” Caleb said, his voice amused but gentle. “Maybe we should wait until Iva is feeling better. She’s been through a lot.”

The Queen waved her hand dismissively.

“Nonsense! This is the happiest day! We will celebrate properly-but gently,” she added, glancing at Iva with a tender smile. “You must take care of yourself, dear. You’re carrying the future of the kingdom.”

Iva laughed through her tears.

“I will,” she promised. “I’ll take care of myself. And I’ll take care of this baby.”

The King returned to his seat, his expression thoughtful.

“We must begin preparations,” he said. “The nursery. The staff. The security. Everything must be perfect.”

Caleb’s hand found Iva’s under the table.

“We have time,” he said. “We’ll make sure everything is ready.”

The Queen clasped her hands together, her eyes shining.

“Just few months,” she repeated. “Just few months until we meet our grandchild.”

Iva looked around the table at the faces of the people she loved-her mother, glowing with

joy; the Queen, already planning the celebration; the King, his heart full of pride; and Caleb, her mate, her rock, her everything.

She placed her hand on her stomach and smiled.

The breakfast table buzzed with joy and excitement, the news of the pregnancy still settling over the royal family like a warm blanket. Plates were pushed aside, forgotten, as the conversation flowed freely.

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The Queen leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

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“I told you,” she said, pointing a finger at Iva. “I told you that the trip to Italy would bring something good. A little romance, a little sunshine, and-” She winked. “A little something else.”

Iva’s face flushed a deep crimson.

“Mother,” Caleb warned, his voice low.

But the Queen was relentless. She waved her hand dismissively.

“Oh, hush, Caleb. We are all marked and mated here. We all know how pups come into this world, so stop playing shy.”

The King let out a rare, booming laugh.

“She has a point, son,” he said, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

Caleb groaned, running a hand over his face.

“Please, not at the breakfast table.”

Rana laughed, her hand covering her mouth.

“Oh, I remember this,” she said, her eyes dancing. “The teasing, the questions, the endless advice. It’s all part of the joy.”

Iva smiled despite her embarrassment.

“I suppose I should get used to it,” she said. “Everyone is going to have an opinion about this pregnancy.”

The Queen nodded sagely.

“Indeed they will. But you will learn to ignore the noise and focus on what matters-your health, your baby, your mate.”

Caleb reached under the table and squeezed Iva’s hand.

“Speaking of health,” the King said, his tone shifting to something more serious. “I presume you will slow down on matching couples until the baby is born. You need to take care of yourself.”

Iva’s smile faded slightly.

She had expected this conversation. Had known it was coming. But that didn’t make it any

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easier.

She looked at Caleb, who nodded encouragingly.

“Actually,” she said carefully, “I wanted to speak with you about that.”

The King’s brow furrowed.

“Go on.”

Iva took a breath.

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“I was thinking that we could organize a ball,” she said. “As a reason to announce our expecting an heir. And at the same time, we could invite also the unmated-especially those who are not currently enrolled in any Academy. In this way, we could maximize the number of matches in one day.”

The Queen’s eyes lit up.

“A ball! How wonderful!”

The King’s expression was more measured.

“That would be a significant undertaking, Iva. Are you sure you’re up for it? The planning, the preparations, the event itself-it would be demanding. Plus, the effort to act as the Messenger.”

Iva nodded, her chin lifting with determination.

“I would prefer to do it now,” she said, “rather than later when the pregnancy is more advanced. I’ll have more energy now, and I can delegate the heavy lifting to trusted staff. I promise I won’t push myself too hard.”

The King studied her for a long moment.

Then he smiled-a warm, proud smile that made Iva’s heart swell.

“Very well,” he said. “A ball will be held in three weeks’ time. But I have one condition.”

Iva held her breath.

“You must promise me that you will not force yourself,” the King said. “The moment you feel tired, you rest. The moment you feel overwhelmed, you step back. Do you understand?”

Iva nodded, her eyes glistening.

“I understand.”

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Caleb took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring.

“I will make sure personally that she keeps her promise,” he said.

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