Scene 1: Nathan and Bjorn – The Anchor
The morning sunlight poured into the estate's modest chapel, catching on the polished pews and illuminating the serene face of the statue at the altar. Nathan knelt at one of the pews, his head bowed, his lips moving in a silent prayer. It was a rare moment of calm amid the growing tension.
Bjorn leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed as he watched his husband. Despite the storm swirling around them—Leon's pregnancy, the Fleur agents, the possibility of evacuation—Nathan seemed to radiate an unshakable calm.
"You're going to wear your knees out, you know," Bjorn said, his voice cutting through the silence.
Nathan turned his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's a small price to pay for peace of mind," he replied, rising gracefully to his feet.
Bjorn stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Nathan's waist. "You're too good for this family, you know that?"
Nathan chuckled, leaning into Bjorn's embrace. "Someone has to keep you all grounded."
Bjorn tightened his hold, his voice dropping. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You won't have to find out," Nathan said softly, his fingers tracing soothing circles on Bjorn's back. "I'm not going anywhere. And neither are you."
For a moment, the weight of their responsibilities seemed to lift. Bjorn pressed a kiss to Nathan's temple, grateful for the steady light his husband brought into his life.
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Scene 2: Nathan and Leon – Quiet Understanding
Later that afternoon, Nathan found Leon in the garden, sitting on a stone bench beneath a canopy of blooming wisteria. His hands rested protectively on his growing belly, and his gaze was distant.
"Mind if I join you?" Nathan asked, approaching with measured steps.
Leon looked up, offering a faint smile. "Of course."
Nathan sat beside him, the silence stretching comfortably between them. Finally, he spoke. "You seem... lost in thought."
Leon hesitated, his fingers tightening around the fabric of his shirt. "I was thinking about the baby. And about... everything."
Nathan nodded, his gaze soft. "It's a lot to process."
Leon's voice trembled as he said, "Do you think I'll be a good parent?"
Nathan reached out, placing a hand over Leon's. "I don't think—I know. You've always put others before yourself, Leon. That's the kind of love a child needs."
Leon's eyes filled with tears, but he blinked them away quickly. "I'm scared, Nathan. What if I mess everything up?"
Nathan smiled gently. "Fear is normal. It means you care. But you're not alone in this, Leon. You have your family, and you have us. We'll make sure you and the baby are safe."
Leon exhaled shakily, nodding. "Thank you, Nathan. I... I don't say it enough, but I'm really glad you're part of this family."
Nathan's heart softened at the words, and he gave Leon's hand a reassuring squeeze. "And I'm glad to be here. You're stronger than you think, Leon. Don't forget that."
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Scene 3: Nathan and Edwin – Shared Purpose
That evening, Nathan joined Edwin in the study, where papers and maps were spread across the desk. Edwin looked up briefly, nodding in acknowledgment before returning to his work.
"Busy as ever," Nathan said, settling into a chair opposite him.
"Someone has to be," Edwin replied, his tone clipped but not unkind.
Nathan leaned back, studying him. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
Edwin's pen stilled, and he glanced up, his gaze sharp. "And what would you have me do? Relax while Fleur agents are sniffing around our borders?"
Nathan held his gaze steadily. "No. But you can let the rest of us share the burden."
Edwin sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Leon doesn't need to know the details. He has enough to worry about."
"I agree," Nathan said. "But that doesn't mean you have to shoulder everything alone. Bjorn and I are here. Cecily is here. Use us."
Edwin's expression softened, though his eyes remained weary. "You really believe we can pull this off?"
"I do," Nathan said simply. "Because this family has something worth fighting for."
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Scene 4: Family Dinner – Bonds and Tensions
The Mondell family rarely had moments to sit together anymore, but tonight, Edwin insisted they gather for dinner. The atmosphere was warm but tinged with tension, each member acutely aware of the unspoken challenges ahead.
Bjorn sat beside Nathan, their hands brushing occasionally beneath the table. Leon sat across from them, his quiet demeanor drawing concerned glances from Olivia, who sat at his other side.
Cecily, ever the mediator, broke the silence. "So, Nathan, will the Holy Kingdom be ready for us?"
Nathan nodded. "My grandfather has already made arrangements. We'll have a secure place to stay until things settle down."
"And what if they don't settle down?" Edwin asked, his tone sharper than he intended.
Nathan met his gaze evenly. "Then we adapt. That's what families do."
Bjorn placed a hand on Nathan's shoulder, his voice firm. "We'll protect Leon and the baby. No matter what."
Leon looked up, his voice soft but steady. "I don't want to be the reason everyone puts themselves in danger."
"You're not," Nathan said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You're the reason we fight. Because you're family. And family is worth everything."
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Scene 5: A Quiet Night
After dinner, Nathan and Bjorn retired to their room. Nathan sat at the edge of the bed, untying his boots as Bjorn leaned against the doorframe, watching him.
"You were amazing tonight," Bjorn said, his voice low.
Nathan glanced up, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "You say that like it's a surprise."
Bjorn chuckled, crossing the room to sit beside him. "I mean it. You're the glue holding us together right now."
Nathan leaned into him, resting his head on Bjorn's shoulder. "You give me a lot of credit."
"Because you deserve it," Bjorn murmured, pressing a kiss to Nathan's temple. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," Nathan said softly, his hand slipping into Bjorn's. "We're in this together. All of us."