by Missy Jane
Astrid woke slowly and stretched her sore muscles. For a moment she didn’t know where she was but felt certain she should be frightened. She opened her eyes to the sight of Orestes’s bedroom around her and smiled. No need to be frightened.
As she lay there, her memories of waking in Albain’s home surfaced. Then his threats and her pain, Orestes and the wizards’ arrival and the birth of her child. She sat up with a gasp and looked around frantically. All was as it had been the day Orestes left her. She threw off the warm covers and looked down at her body. Her stomach was flat, though not sunken in like before, and her breasts were a bit larger. She ran a hand over her body and rubbed her thighs together. There was no pain but every movement proved her breasts were tender.
“Was I dreaming?” she asked the quiet room.
Flames crackled in the fireplace and a tray of bread and cheese sat on a nearby table. She slid off the bed and found one of Orestes’s shirts on the floor. Pulling it over her head, she went to the tray of food.
If it had all been a dream it was one of the most vivid she had ever experienced. Though she was fine now, she could still remember the pain of having a gargoyle’s babe in her womb. She ran her hand over her belly again and sighed. Would Orestes enjoy having a baby? Would he even want one…with her?
She shook away her thoughts and finished eating, determined to keep any sadness at bay. He hadn’t made any promises and she would be a fool to look for a future that wasn’t there. For now, she would just be content with the care he gave her.
She washed her face and hands and then donned one of her pretty new dresses. They were still in the crate they’d arrived in, but Orestes had promised her a new wardrobe. She didn’t plan to hold him to that promise. For all she knew, he would tire of her long before a wardrobe could be brought in. Just as she was slipping her feet into another new pair of shoes, the bedroom door opened.
“You’re awake. Thank the Goddess.”
Her head shot up at the sound of Orestes’s voice and she flew into his open arms. He laughed and lifted her off her feet, holding her tight to his chest. She gasped at the soreness of her breasts again but didn’t relinquish her hold on his shoulders.
“I missed you,” she said.
He gave her an odd look but then smiled and kissed her lips. “I missed you too. I was worried when you slept so long. How do you feel?”
“Now that I’ve eaten, much better. How long did I sleep?”
His humor disappeared. “Three days, my love. I was beginning to fear for your health, but the wizards said your body was merely healing. I was able to get broth down your throat but you never opened your eyes.”
Elation filled her at the endearment but she frowned and looked down at herself again. If anything, she looked healthier than ever before and felt just fine.
“Well, I’m all right now.”
His smile returned. “Good. Are you ready to meet your daughter now? Poor thing is still waiting for us to name her.”
She stilled in shock and her mouth dropped open.
His smile disappeared again and he watched her warily. “Astrid?”
“It wasn’t a dream? I really had your child?”
He grinned and gave a nod. “Yes, you did. And she is the most perfect, most beautiful creature ever created. We did a spectacular job.”
Astrid laughed both in amusement and relief while Orestes finally set her back on her feet. Her heart was racing and tears burned the backs of her eyes but she was elated. If he was truly happy about the child, maybe he did plan to keep her around.
“We did, did we?” she asked.
“Yes. And though you’ve slept, she has been able to feed from your breasts. The wizards say she is in perfect health for a human or Gargoyle.”
“Well then. Let me see this perfect creature for myself.”
He took her hand in his and led her from the room. They descended the many stairs and made their way into the dining room. All eleven of his brothers were seated around the table, but there were also humans in abundance. Many of the servants were standing between the brothers while everyone spoke at once in excited voices.
“Here, here. She is awake,” Orestes said.
His booming voice hushed the others and all eyes turned to watch him lead Astrid into the room. A blush heated her cheeks at all the attention, but everyone was smiling at her. She had never had so many people look at her with approval in their eyes. It nearly brought her to tears again.
“Ah good. She can settle the argument then,” Kephas said.
Orestes led her to the only empty chair and sat in it before pulling her onto his lap. Her attention went to the center of the large table where blankets were piled beneath a sleeping baby. She was glorious. A full head of dark hair gleamed in the torchlight. Her skin was tan like her father’s and smooth as silk. Even in sleep she smiled and puckered her lips into a perfect bow.
“Oh, Orestes, she is so wonderful,” Astrid said on a sigh.
There were murmurs of agreement from all around the room.
“Yes, she is wonderful but she’s also nameless,” Haldor said. “Now that you’re here we can fix that and give the poor child a proper name. I’m tired of saying the babe all the time.”
The brothers all chuckled, including Orestes.
“Well, what do you have so far?” she asked.
They all began calling out names in no particular order. Even the humans chimed in, seemingly no longer afraid of the Masters. Astrid was amazed all the raised voices didn’t wake her daughter, but the babe slept on in peace.
“What would you name your child?” Orestes finally asked. “If there were no other voices adding to the mix?”
She thought it over for a moment, staring at the beautiful little girl before them. Then she looked at the man she loved with all her heart. If the child had been a boy she would have insisted he be named after his father. But Orestes wouldn’t do for a girl.
“What about…Ourania?” she asked.
There were some murmurs around the room but no one spoke out against it.
“Ourania?” Orestes asked. “Where have I heard that before?”
“It’s Greek. A muse of astronomy, I believe,” Craig said.
“It means heavenly. Which in her case fits quite well,” Nel added.
Astrid turned to give him a smile of thanks and was surprised to see a woman on his lap. No one else seemed to think it odd, so she turned back to face Orestes.
“It’s the closest to your name I could think of. Unless you like Ophelia,” she said.
He immediately shook his head and placed a swift kiss on her mouth. “No. I prefer Ourania to Ophelia.”
“Well then, Ourania it is,” Kephas said.
A cheer went up and finally woke the subject of the celebrations. To Astrid’s surprise, little Ourania didn’t cry. She shuddered when she woke and looked around the room with large gray-blue eyes. When her gaze finally landed on her parents, she smiled.
“Oh, I absolutely must hold her,” Astrid said. She leaned forward and pulled the blankets until she could lift her daughter into her arms.
When she sat back against Orestes, he wrapped his large arms around both of them, protecting them and making her feel cherished.
“See,” he said in her ear. “I told you she is perfect.”
Astrid laughed and ran a finger over her baby’s cheek. It was as soft as she expected.
“Yes. She is.”
A feast was served and the humans sat down with the Masters for the first time ever. Orestes looked around the table at his brothers and the two women who would now be considered family. Then he looked down at the small bundle in Astrid’s arms and was nearly overwhelmed with tenderness. The Twenty had ensured the Masters would have sympathy and empathy, but they had never mentioned love. Looking at his new family, Orestes knew he truly felt love for them in a way he didn’t love his brothers. Keeping them safe and happy were his new priorities, even before the safety of the kingdom.
He might never say these things out loud, but he knew Astrid and Ourania were now the center of his world.
Little Ourania allowed Astrid to eat two bites before she let her own hunger be known with a loud wail. Everyone laughed at the tiny, screwed-up face that was too adorable to be annoying. Orestes sent Astrid ahead of him to their room so he could gather their food. Then he carried a large tray laden with a little of everything up the many stone steps.
He walked into his room and froze at the sight of Astrid breastfeeding Ourania on their bed. His heart swelled and an ache formed in his chest. Had there ever been a more beautiful sight? He thought not. After a moment, he remembered himself and took the tray of food to his table. Then he shut and locked his bedroom door. The sight before him was for his eyes only.
“Is she well?” he asked.
Astrid smiled up at him. “Yes. She’s perfect.”
He chuckled and closed the distance. “I told you so. Want me to prepare a plate of food for you?”
She shook her head. “You needn’t serve me, Orestes. Eat. I’ll take care of myself when we’re done here. I ate the bread and cheese when I woke.”
He hesitated even though he knew she had indeed eaten when she woke. He had left the food just in case and was glad she had grown comfortable enough with him to help herself. He looked around his room and began to imagine the changes needed to make her feel welcome. He had promised her a wardrobe, and a smaller desk would probably fit beside his. As much as she loved books, he thought squeezing in a small shelf would be good too. And for the babe?
He frowned at them this time when he realized lovemaking would be on hold for a while. Even once Astrid had healed, he couldn’t make love to her with Ourania in their bed too.
“Orestes?”
The concern in Astrid’s voice pulled his thoughts away from her delectable body. She was frowning at him.
“Yes, my love?”
“Is there a problem? Should we…do you wish to be alone?”
He immediately put down his plate and went to her. “No, of course not. Why do you ask?”
She hesitated, watching him warily, and he cursed under his breath. What had he done to upset her?
“Well…you were frowning…when you looked this way. If you’re tired and wish to sleep peacefully—”
He silenced her with a kiss, the only way he knew to apologize fully. It wasn’t as passionate as those in the past due to Ourania still feeding in her arms. But it was enough to clear the concern from her beautiful face.
“I never wish to be without you again,” he said. “Our little Ourania either. Both of you are always welcome in my bed, my room and my heart.”
Tears moistened her eyes but didn’t fall while she watched him. He sat beside her and ran a finger down her cheek. “You are a miracle to me, Astrid. I plan to keep you here with me so long as you’re willing to stay.”
“Truly?”
“Truly. You know I’m not human. But if you prefer to have a human marriage ceremony I will gladly do that. I will make you my wife and let it be known to all you are mine.”
Her tears fell even while a smile spread across her face. “I would like that very much. I love you, Orestes.”
His heart beat faster but he felt no fear when he said, “And I love you, Astrid.”
The smile that graced her face eased his tension and concern. Everything would be okay now. She was willing to stay with him and that was all that mattered.
He kissed her again, leaning in without touching any more than her lips and taking care not to crush their daughter. When he finally pulled away, Astrid’s eyes were glazed with passion, making him groan.
“The wizards said you need at least two weeks to fully heal. Then one of them can examine you again or we can seek a midwife. Until then, our lovemaking must wait.”
Astrid laughed and placed another quick kiss on his mouth. “One of the Twenty will examine me? Like a common doctor?”
“Midwife. I’ve had enough of other men seeing what should be for my eyes only.”
She kissed him again. “As you wish, my love.”
He truly liked the sound of that.
Chapter Fourteen
Three weeks had passed since her arrival at the Master’s castle and Phaidra didn’t know what to do with herself. She often joined Astrid in the library and helped dust the shelves or straighten books while the new mother took care of her baby. Phaidra truly enjoyed her afternoons with Astrid and Ourania. Even with the differences in their cultures and upbringings, they had a lot in common. She couldn’t help but notice how Nel and Orestes encouraged their friendship. The two couples and one tiny child often shared the evening meal together.
Phaidra also enjoyed her time spent with Nel. It was often in bed or in the large bathing pool. Sometimes he would also take her through the gardens behind the castle. However, anytime he went to the villages she stayed behind. He was almost more protective of her than Orestes was of Astrid and Ourania. Phaidra understood the need to protect the human woman and child, but she was Kevan. Not only should she have no fear due to the treaties, she also had inherent strength passed down from the lines of her foremothers. Though she had feared much in Keva, she had no fear in the human lands.
When she woke that morning to an empty bed for the third time in a row she grumbled and fought back tears. The library held no comfort and she excused herself once lunch was finished. Now she strode through the vast gardens with no particular destination in mind, almost wishing she were back in Keva. Her life there had been filled with purpose. It wasn’t a grand existence by any means, but she’d had duties and responsibilities. Here she was just one of the Masters’ women, not fit to even help cook.
With a sigh, she sat on the edge of a small fountain and gazed at her reflection. She’d gained a little weight and looked healthier than ever before. She felt better too, physically. Her hair was loose about her shoulders, which were bare in the new gown Nel had given her before he left. He always arrived home with gifts for her, seemingly to make up for his time away. She knew he couldn’t spend every waking moment at her side, but she needed something to fill the times he was gone.
Tired of the melancholy image, she slapped the water in annoyance and watched the ripples. As they cleared another image caught her eye and she spun to see Nel standing behind her.
“Nel. You’ve returned.”
Though she smiled at him, she didn’t jump to her feet and run into his arms like she had the first few times he’d returned to her. With a frown, she realized she hadn’t had the urge to do that in a few days.
“Yes. I didn’t mean to be away so long,” he said.
He was only a few steps away from her but it was the greatest distance they’d had between them since his escape. She sighed and knew this was the beginning of the end. It was almost a relief. Upon her arrival, she had been worried about how she would keep his attention. Now that she knew she had failed, she could move on. But where would she go?
“So…you had a successful journey then?”
He never told her much about where he was going or why, and she never pried. Her curiosity was great but she had hoped he’d learn to trust her with such information.
He shrugged and slowly moved to join her on the side of the fountain. She straightened when he sat beside her so they didn’t accidentally touch.
“Yes it was,” he said. “I returned to Keva with two of my brothers and one of the Twenty. We stood before the Council of Firsts and they relayed the charges against the House of Iva.”
Phaidra stilled, unsure if she wanted to hear any more but needing to know. “Oh?”
“Yes. Iva and Kalypso were both found guilty of treason and conspiracy against the Kingdom of Halstrid. There were also other charges. The House is being dispersed. Your housemates are being taken into other households.”
“Oh.”
She turned away from him while pain lanced through her. As a girl she had thought Kalypso and Iva cared for her in some
small way. She knew now that wasn’t true but it hurt to realize she had no one.
“Phaidra?”
He gently laid his hand against the back of her head, stroking her hair as if he was afraid to hurt her.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry to bring news that disturbs you. I was hoping it would bring some relief.”
She looked at her feet and gave a slow nod even though she was in more turmoil than ever before. If there was no House of Iva, she had no home to return to. With the others blending into other households, she might be able to as well. However, she knew no other Firsts or Seconds that might take pity on her and take her in. She would have to petition the Council for placement and that was a humiliating ordeal. It rarely happened but the orphan was always looked upon like an unwanted thing. Though she felt that was an accurate assessment for her, she didn’t want to face the humiliation of the Council.
“At least they are facing justice for their treatment of you,” she said.
She truly meant that and had nothing else to say. They sat in silence for long minutes before he finally huffed out a breath and stood. She turned away again, not wanting to watch him leave. In her heart, she knew it would be for the last time and she simply couldn’t watch another person walk away from her like she meant nothing.
Nel paced away from Phaidra and ran his hands through his hair. The woman was driving him mad. He’d spent the past three days in Keva ensuring there were no ties to pull her back there. He checked every accounting of her birth and up until the day he met her. He spoke to every member of the House of Iva who would see him. He even asked the Council themselves if he could keep her with him. As far as he was concerned, he had full permission to make her his just like Orestes had with his woman. The only problem now was convincing Phaidra to stay by his side. He’d noticed her unhappiness but had no idea what to do about it, and now it was slowly pulling her away from him.
The week before he had visited with the Twenty and asked for anything they’d learned about Astrid’s pregnancy. If he was able to impregnate Phaidra, she would surely stay with him. He ached to hold his own babe in his arms and couldn’t help the spurt of envy he felt every time he looked at Ourania. But would a child make Phaidra happy? For now it didn’t matter because the Twenty were still confused about Ourania. They had no clue how the miracle child had been conceived and gestated so quickly.
