by Eric Vall
“Yeah, I know,” I mumbled and cleared my throat. “We won’t let you down.”
“I know.” Aeron smirked and turned to Vala. “You have accomplished an amazing task today. Your son is blessed, and he will learn much from you as his mother.”
“Thank you,” she gasped and grabbed her round belly again.
Suddenly, I felt a waver in our bond, and I turned to see a trickle of water drip down Vala’s leg.
“It is time!” Yazmin announced as she pushed through the crowd and wrapped her arm around Vala’s shoulders. “We do not have time to get back to the castle.”
“I’m having my baby out here?” Vala wailed and then groaned. “Ohhh, gods!”
“Only one here right now,” Aeron chimed in with a smirk.
“Okay, okay, let’s make her as comfortable as possible,” I suggested before I turned to my wife. “Um, do you have blankets or anything in your spatial storage?”
“You can make one of those beds like the dryads used to,” she countered. “Just use your nature magic.”
“Oh, sure,” I mumbled.
No big deal, just use my nature magic to make a bed. I’ve seen the dryads do it a hundred times. Eeeeasy.
I knelt to the ground and focused my hands on the grass beneath my fingers. Then I closed my eyes and pictured one of the cushiony beds we’d slept on many nights of our early travels. I imagined it growing from the grass and adding layers of softness for Vala to lay on while Elian made his big arrival.
“Perfect!” Naomi squealed.
I opened my eyes to see the grassy bed had formed perfectly, and Nike and Yazmin gently laid Vala on its green surface to relax.
“Okay, here we go,” Yazmin said as she crouched near the foot of the bed with one of her towels from the palace. “Your child is ready. I can see his head.”
“Oh, godssss!” Vala screamed, and the tendons in her neck stood out as she bared down.
While I’d spent quite a long time on Earth as a medic, it was nothing compared to being present for a live birth on a cliff with no pain meds. Vala cried, screamed, and tore at the grassy bed while Nike held one of her hands and Alyona held the other.
I could feel the ebb and flow of the boy’s power as he started to make his appearance, and then suddenly, he was here. The surge of magic felt like a hand reached into my soul and took hold, and I couldn’t do anything but stare at the beautiful child with my mouth open.
Elian had the same jet-black hair as his nephew, brother, and father, and though his eyes were still closed, I knew they’d be silver.
“My work here is done,” Aeron announced as he crossed his arms over his chest and looked over at me. “I’ll be seeing you soon, I hope.”
“As soon as we find the next bond girl,” I shot back with a grin.
“The sooner the better,” he chuckled and shook his head. “You are an odd one, dragon. Until then.”
In the blink of an eye, the God of Punishment was gone, and my attention was back to Elian. I could hardly resist the urge to pick him up and carry him around, and when I looked at Nike, I could tell he felt the same way. His eyes hadn’t left the child, and he hovered over Vala with a look of complete adoration.
“My son,” she whispered as she cradled the tiny boy in her arms. “My Elian.”
He let out a little contented sigh, and all my lovers sighed and smiled. I couldn’t wait to make every single one of them a mother to one of my children, and I joined Alyona and wrapped my arms around her middle. I rubbed her tiny belly and wished for the day when I could feel our child move beneath her skin.
“Soon enough, my love,” she whispered as though she could hear my thoughts. “Ours will be here soon enough.”
“I can’t wait,” I murmured into her ear before I raised my voice where Nike could hear me. “For now, I can’t wait to teach Elian everything we know.”
“Yes!” My fellow noble pumped his fist in the air. “We’ll teach him to wield a sword, to be brave among beasts, to--”
“For now, let’s just get back to the palace,” Vala cut him off with a tired smile. “I’d like to rest on a real bed, though this one wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”
Nike looked crestfallen at her words, but I reminded myself she’d just been through childbirth and a Redimi Vincio ceremony. She was probably exhausted and needed some sleep.
“Of course,” I said and motioned for Naomi and Alyona to help her. “Can we take her back the same way?”
“Yep!” Naomi smiled.
As the pair began to wrap Vala and Elian in the magical sheets, Miraya stepped closer to me.
“She doesn’t feel the same connection to you,” the spirit said under her breath, and her tone carried a hint of disappointment. “I suspected only the child would since she has no magical ability, but I hoped her soul would still connect.”
“Okay, I thought it was just me,” I muttered. “She doesn’t seem to want anything to do with Nike or me since Elian actually came out. It’s almost like he’s the only reason she felt any connection to us.”
“And that’s entirely possible,” Miraya agreed. “They shared a body for that time, which means he likely affected her emotions. Now that he is of his own body, she no longer feels what he feels and vice versa.”
“Then she can go back to feeling like the angry street-kid-turned-bandit,” I growled. “This could be a problem.”
“Don’t worry,” she assured me. “I know it will work out for the best.”
“I hope so.” I frowned as we trudged back toward the castle.
Despite her shutdown, Nike hadn’t left Vala and Elian’s side. He stayed close with one hand on his sword, and I knew he was in protective mode over his tiny uncle, which was super weird to think about.
I sensed the bond between Elian and me surge, and I strode forward to close the gap between us. Then his soul sighed with relief once I was close enough to walk next to Nike. Even the child seemed to know Nike and I were there to keep him safe.
Alyona was right about our bond. I didn’t feel like a parent or even a family member, but more like Elian had chosen me to be his guardian. I could feel the pangs of hunger in his belly mingled with the curiosity at the bright colors around him. It was an odd sensation, like being an adult and a child all at once.
I smiled when I felt his relief as Vala put his mouth to her breast, and he began to consume her milk with fervor. He was so hungry and desired to be close to her, so he was getting the best of both worlds.
“Lord Evan?” Isabella crept up beside me. “I was wondering if I could do something for you.”
“Like what?” I asked as I turned to her with confusion.
“You mentioned earlier you wanted to return the phoenix ashes to nature,” she answered in a soft voice. “My people have a similar tradition, and I’d like to do it for these dear creatures, so their souls may rest. I can fly out now and be back to the palace in just a short while.”
“That’s kind of you.” I looked deep into her sapphire eyes. “Are you sure? You must stay far from the Breach.”
“Oh, that ground is in pain,” she said with a shiver. “I wouldn’t return them there. Actually, there’s a forest over that ridge with fresh saplings growing. I can feel them trying to thrive amongst the chaos. They could use the cleansing of new life.”
“That sounds perfect,” I agreed as I handed her the urn. “I’ll send Eskandar with you, just to make sure you’re safe.”
“Very well.” The Nepin nodded, flicked her wings to lift her up, and pecked me on the cheek. “We’ll return soon.”
“Eskandar, please follow Isabella,” I told him. “A little protection never hurt.”
“Yes, my lord.” The white dragon transformed from his human body and flapped his giant white wings as Isabella led him toward the forest.
When the rest of us walked into the palace, I led everyone to the dining hall. Not only was I starving now, but I knew Vala would need some food in her belly after such
a long, drawn-out birth.
“Castor, have the kitchen prepare a meal,” Rodion commanded as he walked toward his chair at the head of the table. “And have them bring out something small to eat while we wait.”
An appetizer, helllll, yes.
“Right away, Your Majesty,” Castor said and hurried toward the kitchen.
We sat down at the table, though Vala seemed anxious and paced back and forth as Elian suckled her milk. While I could read Elian’s feelings, I couldn’t tell what was going on in his mother’s mind.
Before I could ask, two servants scurried into the dining hall and spread baskets of bread and butter out on the table before they began to pour water into our cups. I normally enjoyed the wine, but with all the pregnancy going on, I was grateful for water today.
“Vala, you can come sit down,” I offered and pointed to the empty seat across from me and next to Nike. “You’re making me nervous pacing around like that.”
“It has been a trying day, my lord,” she sighed. “Fine, I’ll sit. I’m hungry anyway.”
“I figured as much,” I chuckled as she made her way to the seat.
Then I frowned when she pointedly sat one seat over from Nike, and he watched the child with an obvious desire to hold him.
Alyona glanced over at me, and I could see everyone had started to notice Vala’s avoidance.
“Lunch will be prepared shortly,” Castor announced and broke the awkward silence.
“Thank you,” Rodion murmured before he turned to me. “Lord Evan, what is the plan from here?”
“Once we eat, we need to get back to Leyte,” I answered. “We can get Vala set up at the palace, regroup with the rest of my women, and then we’ll be headed to Yrosa.”
“I’m sorry, but there’s no way,” Vala declared suddenly, and even Elian jumped in her arms.
“No way of what?” I quirked an eyebrow.
“No way I’m going back to Lord Calvin,” she answered, and her tired eyes suddenly blazed with fire. “Or staying with any of you. Elian and I are not dealing with any more of this crazy life!”
Chapter 15
“Where else would you go?” I demanded. “You’re going to take a child awake from his father?”
“Ha!” Vala laughed with a note of sarcasm. “His father didn’t even know or care if he existed before you told him he had to. He’ll probably be relieved to hear we aren’t coming back.”
“I don’t think that’s the case, Vala.” My wife frowned as she eyed the new mother. “He seemed very interested in doing the right thing before we left.”
“Yeah, and he was trying to help pick the baby’s name,” Aaliyah added.
“Not to mention, the boy will grow up with money and a nice home,” Rebecca pointed out. “The things you said you’d never have.”
“A home requires love,” Vala argued with a creased brow. “Lord Calvin doesn’t love me or Elian. He loves himself and stacking up lovers in his bedroom.”
“Now, I’m sure that was accurate at one time--” I started.
Before I could finish, Isabella and Eskandar strolled into the room. The Nepin was smiling, and I could tell she was satisfied with her role in returning the phoenixes to the land, but her smile faltered when Vala whirled around to face her with a pointed finger.
“Ask Isabella!” she shrieked. “She knows what it was like! We were nothing but numbers to that man! Tell him, Izzy!”
“Oh, no.” The Nepin held her hands up and skirted around the table. “If this is about Lord Calvin, keep me out of it. I wasn’t really one of his lovers, so I can’t speak to it.”
Suddenly, I felt a surge of anxiety, and I realized it was coming from Elian. The boy had picked up on his mother’s emotions, and he began to squirm and curl his fists in her arms.
“You’re upsetting the boy,” I told her. “I can feel him worrying.”
“See!” Vala gasped. “Why would I want to be around for these crazy things like a man who can feel my son’s emotions? Is that any better than a man who feels no emotion?”
“I know my grandfather can be a difficult man,” Nike interjected. “But he’s not heartless. Did he ever promise you anything?”
“Ah, well, yeah,” Vala said and twirled a lock of black hair around her finger. “He promised me gold and jewels.”
“Did you get them?” Nike pressed.
“Yes,” she confirmed with a nod. “But I sold them when I left Leyte. He didn’t mean anything by them.”
“Did he tell you he did?” the noble continued.
Ahh, I realized where he was going with this.
“No.” Vala shook her head. “He made it clear we were his companions, and we were free to come and go as we wanted. He didn’t care which we chose.”
“So, he was honest with you,” I said with a smile. “He seems heartless, but he’s merely heartbroken, and he’s avoided giving his heart to someone else for years now. Lord Calvin is distant to protect himself, not to hurt you.”
“Protect himself?” Vala’s turquoise eyes widened before she looked down at her son and smiled. “He’s only had one love.”
“Yeah, my grandmother,” Nike answered with a complicated expression I couldn’t decipher. “She left when my father was young. There was no explanation, just a note that said not to look for her. It broke my grandfather’s heart, and he’s never been the same. My father… well, he took it nearly as hard to have his mother leave, but he blamed his father, so they were constantly at odds. It made for a difficult relationship, which became even more strained when my parents met and fell in love. Anyway, the point is Lord Calvin doesn’t promise anything he can’t deliver, and he hasn’t been able to deliver his heart in a long time.”
“Plus, Elian will have many opportunities growing up in a noble family,” Miraya said in a soothing tone. “He will be well-educated in many ways, and he could very well become a Noble of the Sword himself.”
“Becoming a Noble of the Sword is an incredibly high honor,” Laika pointed out.
“And I would be honored to pass on the blade to him when he is of age,” Nike added. “I would teach him everything I know, and I believe Lord Evan feels the same way.”
I watched as Vala’s expression softened while she grazed Elian’s cheek with her finger. She seemed to be considering Nike’s explanation, but she hadn’t made a decision. I didn’t know what we’d do if she decided to go back to her bandit lifestyle, but she’d already convinced her tribe to move on. Surely, she wasn’t going to try to reunite them. Or worse, form another group.
My mind began to wander to all the possibilities for poor Elian if he grew up in such a rough life, and I hated the idea. Maybe Nike and I would go find him, or--
“Okay,” Vala sighed, and I snapped back to the present.
“Okay?” I quirked an eyebrow.
“Yes, I’ll return to Leyte and stay with Lord Calvin,” she finished. “But this doesn’t mean I’ll be one of his lovers or a lady of the court or anything. I just want my son to have his father in his life and become someone great.”
“He already is someone great,” Alyona said with a smile. “He has a loving mother who wants the best for him, as well as a doting nephew and fellow noble who will do anything for him.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Vala murmured and kissed the baby on his head. “He got pretty lucky. I’m sorry for my… emotions. Having a baby is so strange and wonderful.”
“He did,” Naomi agreed and grinned.
Just then, the kitchen staff appeared with lunch, and a series of platters were spread out on the table. The aromas of lamb, duck, roast beef, and turkey filled my nose and made my stomach growl with a ravenous hunger. Fruits, vegetables, and soups followed, and we quickly filled our plates with the delicious food.
I took a bite of the duck meat, and it felt like an explosion of flavors melted on my tongue. It was a bit spicy, but also sweet, the perfect combination of herbs and spices.
“Oh, no,” Alyona muttere
d and clutched her stomach, and her cheeks paled. “I think I’m going to be ill. That duck smells awful.”
“It’s so good!” I insisted as I swallowed my bite. “Oh, is it the baby?”
“Yes, he or she doesn’t seem to like something I smell.” My wife scrunched up her nose and shooed away my plate. “Hurry up and eat it.”
I chuckled as I wolfed down the rest of the duck, and Alyona took a deep breath and sighed with relief.
“Better?” I asked, and she nodded. “Looks like our kiddo is already running the show.”
“If yours is anything like Alyona in her mother’s womb, you should also avoid pine trees,” Rodion cut in with a smile. “The very scent of pine would make her mother vomit on the spot.”
“Oh, how awful,” Alyona giggled. “I was a pain.”
“Perhaps.” Her father smiled with obvious adoration. “But you were the sweetest child. Even as an infant, you never cried. You always watched us with those big, round eyes and waited for us to figure out what you wanted. Your mother always said she thought you would learn telepathy someday.”
“I might still,” she shot back and grinned.
The rest of lunch was much more casual than the beginning had been, and after a while, everyone was full and relaxed.
I finally began to take in what we’d just accomplished. I’d bonded with the Child of Light, and I could feel his power like electricity in my veins. It blended perfectly with the bond I’d made with Alyona and my other lovers, and I felt like I could take on the world.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough to take on the underworld.
Not yet, anyway.
“My lord, are you ready?” Alyona asked in a soft voice.
“Oh, yeah,” I mumbled as I rose from the table. “We should get back to Leyte. Lord Calvin should get to meet his son, and we need to get headed to Yrosa soon after that.”
“I shall pray for your safe travels,” Rodion murmured and stood with his arm extended. “And the offer still stands for Alyona to stay here at the White Jade Temple.”
