622 Before Coronation

As dusk settled, the couple emerged from the Hagia Sophia, the ancient cathedral casting a silhouette against the dimming sky.

The two of them, Anna and Antonius, took a quiet moment to savour the moon's glow. Walking hand in hand along the Theodosian walls, they traced the ancient cracks with their fingers. It felt like their own world - if one could overlook the loyal Cerberus maintaining a discreet distance of five meters, and the several Varangians ensuring a clear path ahead, the moonlight gently bathing Anna's slightly rounded belly.

"It feels like forever since we knew we'd be welcoming a new soul," Anna mused, a tender smile playing on her lips as her hand rested protectively over her belly.

"Indeed." Antonius, feeling the weight of his duties, stretched his shoulders. He glanced back at Cerberus, "My friend, could we perhaps have a moment to ourselves?"