The first cry pierced through the stillness of the night, and the room erupted in relieved smiles and quiet cheers. Celestina lay back against the pillows, her body exhausted but her spirit filled with a joy she hadn’t felt in years. A midwife gently placed the tiny baby in her arms.

“It’s a girl,” the midwife said softly, her tone warm with reverence.

Celestina stared down at the wriggling bundle, her chest tightening as her daughter’s tiny fingers curled around her thumb. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks.

“She’s perfect,” Celestina whispered, her voice trembling.

Isolde stood at her bedside, her hands clasped tightly to her chest as she fought back tears of her own. “She’s beautiful, Celestina. Just like you were when you were born.”

The room was quiet except for the soft coos of the newborn, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, peace surrounded them.

As dawn broke over the capital, the news of the birth spread like wildfire. Bells rang out, and crowds gathered in the streets, celebrating not just the arrival of the baby but the promise of a new beginning for their nation.

Anton entered the room later that morning, bowing slightly before speaking. “Madam President, the people are overjoyed. They’re calling her the ‘Child of Hope.’”

Celestina smiled faintly, cradling her daughter closer. “Hope… it’s a fitting name. We’ve all been waiting for hope.”

Isolde, seated beside her, touched her arm. “And now, you’ve given it to them. Not just with her birth but with everything you’ve done. This child represents more than just a new legacy—she’s the future.”

Later that day, as Celestina rested, Isolde took charge of addressing the palace staff and ensuring security around the newborn was airtight. Her leadership was calm but commanding, a reminder of the strength that ran in their family.

“Nothing must happen to my granddaughter,” she said firmly to Anton. “She is more than a baby—she’s a symbol. Protecting her means protecting the nation.”

Anton nodded. “Understood, Madam Isolde. We’ll increase the guard rotation and screen all visitors carefully.”

The celebration in the capital continued for days, with citizens lighting candles and sending gifts to the palace. Messages poured in from foreign leaders, congratulating Celestina and expressing hopes for strengthened alliances.

Dimitri arrived quietly to pay his respects. Though their relationship had not fully healed, he seemed genuinely moved by the sight of Celestina holding her child.

“She’s… incredible,” he said softly, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant.

“She is,” Celestina replied, her tone guarded. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.”

Dimitri nodded, his expression serious. “If you ever need me—”

“I know,” Celestina interrupted, meeting his gaze briefly before turning her attention back to her daughter.

As the days passed, Celestina found herself reflecting on the journey that had led her to this moment. The battles, the betrayals, the losses—they all seemed distant now, eclipsed by the tiny life in her arms.

One evening, as the palace grew quiet, Isolde joined Celestina in the nursery. They stood together by the window, looking out over the capital, which sparkled with the light of thousands of candles lit by citizens in honor of the new baby.

“You’ve come so far, Celestina,” Isolde said, her voice filled with pride. “I