Chapter 28
Cecilia’s Debut Will Be at My Birthday Tea Party
Cecilia’s official debut took place at my twenty‑first birthday tea party.
Since I wanted her to get used to being around a small number of people first, I asked Lord Alec to let Cecilia make her debut at my birthday tea party.
“I know we should really present her at a bigger event, like the New Year’s party where many guests gather, but… I want Cecilia to slowly get used to public occasions.”
“If that’s what you want, Lacey, I don’t mind. After all, we also learned about Cecilia’s pregnancy on your birthday.”
“That’s true.”
At last year’s birthday tea party, I couldn’t eat anything because of nausea. Alec became worried, ended the tea party early, and took me to a doctor. That was when we found out I was pregnant.
At first I couldn’t believe it, nor did it feel real, but as my body began to change, I could finally feel without a doubt that I truly was pregnant.
That day became a precious memory for me.
“The day we learned Cecilia was in my belly… that’s also an anniversary for us, isn’t it?”
“Yes. That day, I became a father. You made me a father, Lacey.”
Just knowing there was a child in my womb was enough for Alec to embrace his role as a father. Ever since we found out, he became very protective of me and always stayed by my side.
“When I couldn’t handle smells at all and could only eat fruit and yogurt, you even ate the same things, Alec.”
“I couldn’t imagine eating separately from you. I didn’t want to make you sick from any smells, so I just ate the same things. I figured I could eat more once I went to the palace for work.”
“When Cecilia started moving inside me, you read picture books to her. You still read to her now.”
“I just wanted to do something fatherly. I can’t sew baby clothes like you, or make a baby dress, or knit socks.”
Maybe it was because Alec clearly recognized he was becoming a father and acted as a parent even when Cecilia was still in my belly… maybe that’s why I was able to give birth safely.
“Alec… once Cecilia turns one…”
“Lacey?”
“Is it wrong… for me to want another child?”
Sex isn’t something done only to conceive children.
I know that—it’s also an expression of love between husband and wife.
Alec refrained from doing anything with me during my pregnancy and even after childbirth, because the doctor warned that back‑to‑back pregnancies were dangerous for the mother’s body.
But once Cecilia turns one… perhaps it’s all right for me to think about our next child.
When I whispered this, Alec peered into my face worriedly.
“I don’t want you to push yourself.”
“I want to give Cecilia a little brother or sister. Cecil always wanted siblings, too. And when my sister Sophia was born, I was so happy.”
When I told him this was my true wish, Alec’s expression softened.
“Yes… I think I’d also like to see Cecilia’s younger sibling.”
With his agreement, I began looking forward to Cecilia’s first birthday more than ever.
My birthday tea party was held in grand fashion.
Near Alec’s and my seats, a baby bed had been placed so Cecilia could lie down whenever needed.
The Empress Dowager and Chancellor Kajetan looked at Cecilia—whom I held in my arms—with teary eyes.
“I was told it’s not good for a mother‑in‑law to visit soon after childbirth, so I held myself back… but, Your Majesty, what an adorable child you have brought into the world.”
“As a man in a father‑in‑law’s position, I also refrained from coming sooner, but I am so happy to finally meet Princess Cecilia. To think His Majesty has become a father… what a joyous event.”
Now that she mentioned it, neither the Empress Dowager nor Chancellor Kajetan had ever demanded to see Cecilia early, and since I didn’t want to take such a young baby out or expose her to many guests, I had kept her within the Imperial Palace.
Sophia’s wedding had been Cecilia’s first outing.
“I should have let Your Majesty and Chancellor Kajetan meet her sooner.”
“It’s fine. Stress is forbidden for both Your Majesty’s health and the little princess.”
“Meeting her now is happiness enough.”
Both the Empress Dowager and the Chancellor cried happily—as if Cecilia were their own child.
They knew how Alec had lived alone after losing Cecil, insisting he would never marry. That is why seeing him now, married with a child, moved them so deeply.
Cecilia stared curiously at the crying Empress Dowager and Chancellor.
“Cecilia, this is my mother and my uncle. They’re your grandmother and great‑uncle.”
“Uu?”
“They were looking forward to your birth and they love you very much.”
Alec explained, and Cecilia—whether she understood or not—laughed happily.
She adores Alec, so she’s always cheerful whenever he talks to her.
“Princess Cecilia is so small and adorable!”
“I’m Teresa, His Majesty’s cousin.”
“And I’m Augusta.”
As Emeric, Teresa, and Augusta greeted her, Cecilia stared at them with wide eyes.
“She’s adorable. When Princess Cecilia grows up, I want to marry her.”
“Augusta, that’s not happening.”
“Your Majesty, isn’t that unfair? When she grows up, she might fall in love with me!”
“The age gap is too big.”
“I’m ten, she’s zero. There’s also a ten‑year difference between Your Majesties!”
Augusta spoke with a rather serious face, and Alec reacted in an exaggerated panic.
Cecilia was far too precious—he probably couldn’t stand the thought of her marrying someday.
“They say fathers find their daughters adorable.”
“I’d find a son adorable too.”
“Your Majesty is truly a devoted parent.”
Ludmila laughed softly.
The tea party ended without any issues.
Because Cecilia attended, we ended early, but no one complained.
“Ever since Her Majesty became pregnant, His Majesty has worked to finish his duties faster each day. And since Princess Cecilia’s birth, he’s been even more diligent. He must cherish his family time greatly.”
Hearing Julius say this filled my heart with warmth and happiness.
Knowing Alec treasured both me and Cecilia made me truly happy.
When we returned to the Imperial Palace, I quickly changed and fed Cecilia her baby food and milk.
She had been hungry and cranky, but after eating and drinking, she fell sound asleep, exhausted.
I, too, was tired from my first public duty in a long while. Sitting on the sofa, I began to nod off.
Half‑dreaming, I thought I felt someone lifting me, but I couldn’t open my eyes.
When I woke from hunger, it was already night.
I found myself tucked into bed, having slept deeply.
As I sat up, Alec—who was holding me—woke as well.
“Lacey, are you awake?”
“Yes. I’m sorry… I fell asleep.”
“Don’t worry. You were tired. Are you hungry?”
“I am.”
The moment I answered, my stomach growled loudly.
Embarrassed, I covered my stomach. Alec called a maid to bring a tray with a light meal.
For some reason, there was a portion for Alec as well.
“Alec, you didn’t eat dinner?”
“Since you were asleep, I wanted to wait and eat with you once you woke up.”
“I—I’m so sorry…”
“It’s fine. Let’s eat together. There’s quiche—you like it.”
He hadn’t eaten because I’d fallen asleep.
Part of me wished he had just eaten without worrying about me… yet another part remembered his words—that food had no taste unless he ate with me.
I realized again that I had to stay healthy so we could eat together always.
“Mushroom and bacon quiche. It’s delicious.”
“Do you want mine, too?”
“Please eat your own, Alec.”
“But you’re feeding Cecilia milk—you need to eat more.”
“I can’t eat your portion.”
After we finished eating with the tray on our knees in bed, I took a shower and changed into pajamas.
I thought I might not be able to sleep after sleeping so much, but that wasn’t the case at all—I fell asleep instantly.
Even as I slept, Alec held me tightly.
Wrapped in his warmth, I slept in complete peace.
