Three days had passed since the celebration in Zephyria. The palace was quiet except for the low hum of healers moving through its marble corridors. Xavi lay in their chamber, his skin hot to the touch, breath uneven.
Josephine had not left his side once. Her hands, pale against his flushed skin, pressed cool cloths to his forehead. Sienna, the royal healer, mixed herbs in a crystal vial and injected them carefully into his arm.
Xavi stirred, forcing a weak smile.
"I'm fine, love," he murmured, voice hoarse. "Just a little fever."
He said it only to calm her, but Josephine's eyes told him she didn't believe it. Her fingers brushed his cheek; she shook her head.
He reached up and pressed his lips to her brow. "See? Still alive."
She hugged him carefully, willing his heat to fade. For two days his fever refused to break. She had given him everything the healers prescribed—blood draughts, enchanted herbs, elixirs of cooling—but still the fever burned.
By noon on the third day, the palace filled with restless activity. The gang had gone to the Zephyrian market for food and decorations for tomorrow's grand party. Laughter and bargaining drifted faintly through the open windows.
Adris was in the garden, chasing Elandra the young dragon and Vespera the great serpent that guarded the outer gate. His laughter echoed through the hedges. Queen Kendra sat nearby, braiding his soft hair all the way back.
"Just like your father's when he was small," she said with a fond smile.
Inside, Xavi groaned and turned over. He had been sick again, the spell backlash drawing more energy from him than he'd admit. Josephine held him as he trembled, whispering soft, voiceless comforts, her tears falling freely.
A knock sounded. "Your Majesty?" Assia called. "You have an audience with the King of Mournveil."
Josephine looked from the door to her husband. He was asleep again, fever easing slightly. She bent to kiss his lips, adjusted his blanket, and stood. A snap of her fingers changed her gown to a formal black silk, and she glided from the room without a sound.
The corridors were lined with portraits: Josephine and Adris; the wedding portrait of the Silent Queen and her masked King; her childhood family—Ceillie, Tess, Pierre, Callum; the family of Hendrick and his siblings.
She paused by a tall window. Outside, Adris rode on Elandra's back, counting the loops they made in the air.
"Weeeee!" he cried.
Xoni laughed from the courtyard. "Go, baby! Higher!"
Anesthesia, Queen Olyida, and Queen Kendra sat under the shade of crystal vines, sharing lunch and laughter.
Josephine turned back as the great hall doors opened.
"Your Majesty," announced Assia, "the King of Mournveil—King Ronan."
Ronan entered, tall and cold-eyed, half wizard, half demon. He bowed. Josephine inclined her head and sat upon her throne, legs crossed, mask of serenity hiding her worry for Xavi.
The meeting began: talk of trade routes, mining rights, protection spells. Yet Ronan's eyes never left her. He studied her from crown to heel, fascination sharpening to something darker.
Anesthesia bounced in, still glowing with excitement from the party plans. "Jojo! We invited everyone in the whole kingdom!"
Josephine nodded once, turning back to Ronan. You're invited as well, she signed, her fingers quick and precise.
Ronan smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
A small voice echoed through the hall. "Mama!"
Adris came flying down the corridor, straight into her arms. Ronan's face froze. He watched mother and son with an expression that mixed curiosity and disbelief.
"So," he said softly, "who is your husband?"
Assia answered smoothly, "Her Majesty's consort keeps his identity private."
Ronan's laugh was low. "I don't think she's married."
Josephine ignored him, stroking Adris's hair. "It's pretty," Adris murmured, tugging at one of the jeweled chains on her gown. "Like Mama." His eyes fluttered shut, exhaustion claiming him.
She carried him to the royal chamber, laid him beside his father, and kissed them both.
Xavi murmured in his sleep, "My Josephine… the most gorgeous woman I've ever met. She's mine—mine only."
Josephine smiled through tears. Adris shifted, mumbling, "My Mama is the best Mama ever. I love you Mama."
She kissed his forehead, letting her heart rest.
By late morning, Xavi's fever finally broke. He woke with his eyes glowing faintly red, the sign his strength had returned. He vanished in a blur of speed, reappearing throughout Zephyria helping rebuild market stalls, carrying supplies, greeting his people.
Josephine searched the castle until he appeared before her again, holding a bouquet of starflowers and a bright apple.
"Hey, my darling," he said, pressing kiss after kiss across her cheeks.
She smiled silently, blushing. He fed her the apple, placed the flowers in her hands.
"For being a wonderful wife," he said. "For taking care of me, my sweet angel."
She mouthed I love you, and he pulled her close, laughter in his voice.
Elsewhere in the palace, Xoni held a handful of roses behind her back, creeping toward Anesthesia's dressing room. Her wife stood before a mirror, deciding on a gown for the party.
"Baby?" Xoni said cautiously.
Anesthesia didn't look up.
Xoni dropped to one knee. "Annie love, I'm sorry," she said. "For yelling. For everything."
Anesthesia turned, startled. "W–why are you kneeling?"
"Because I hate seeing you hurt," Xoni whispered, cupping her face. "Please forgive me."
Anesthesia smiled at last. "I already did." She pulled Xoni up into a hug, their laughter echoing softly.
By four in the afternoon, the castle blazed with lantern light. Nobles, merchants, soldiers, and townsfolk flooded the great courtyard for Queen Josephine's Royal Celebration. She had insisted it include commoners as well as royals.
Xavi carried a drowsy Adris in his arms, the boy already in his nightclothes. He kissed the child's forehead and laid him in bed, assigning guards and a maid to watch over him.
When Josephine emerged from the dressing room, Xavi forgot to breathe. The gown was ivory and burgundy, roses cascading across the bodice, the corset gleaming like wine.
She hesitated, tugging at the fabric. It's too open, she thought uneasily. I don't want anyone but my husband to look at me.
Xavi came behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders.
"You look breathtaking," he whispered. "Wear it, love. It suits you."
She nodded, still shy. He donned his black mask and took her hand as they entered the hall.
"ALL HAIL QUEEN JOSEPHINE!" cried Lyra.
"HAIL!" the crowd answered, bowing.
Ronan was already there with his entourage. Xavi noted the way the man's eyes followed his wife.
Josephine took her throne. The torchlight glinted on her gown; she looked carved from moonlight and fire.
The music began. Courtiers danced, laughter filled the air. Ronan approached, offering his hand. Josephine stepped back, unsettled.
Then a familiar gloved hand reached for her.
"Keep dancing, love," said Xavi from behind the mask.
She smiled and took his hand. They moved together, slow and graceful. Ronan's jaw tightened.
"She rejected me for a guard?" he hissed to his friend.
"Maybe he's not a guard," Steve muttered.
Ronan cast a quiet spell toward Xavi—nothing visible but the flicker of red. The spell shattered instantly.
"What—!?" Ronan gasped.
Xavi turned Josephine gently, wrapping his arms around her from behind. His eyes glowed faintly through the mask as he met Ronan's stare. Nice try, that look said.
Ronan's friends whispered nervously. "He broke your spell."
"Almost like King Xavi Smith himself."
"Impossible," Ronan muttered.
But Xavi only smiled beneath the mask, holding Josephine closer.
Later, during the feast, long tables of teal and violet stretched through the hall.
"Where's Adris?" asked Queen Kendra.
"Asleep," Xavi replied.
He approached the table, only for Ronan to push forward and drop into the seat beside Josephine. The Queen's eyes flashed with lightning; the hall fell silent.
"That is His Majesty's seat," Assia said coldly.
Ronan reddened and stood. Xavi sat, calming his wife with a gentle squeeze of her hand.
"I think he's her husband," whispered Soren.
"Yeah," Smith answered. "Only he could tame her like that."
Ronan gritted his teeth. "If he's a servant, I'll make sure he never has her."
Xavi heard every word and smiled behind the mask, drawing Josephine a little closer.
Morning came with pale light over Zephyria. After the long night of celebration, most of the castle slept. In a quiet guest room, Josephine lay curled against Xavi.
He brushed hair from her face, watching her breathe.
"My sweet wife," he whispered. "Come on, wake up. It's morning."
She groaned softly and shook her head, hiding against him.
"Come on, Your Highness," he teased, voice in her ear. "Duty calls."
She answered by hugging him tighter. He laughed, lifted her into his arms, and carried her to the bath.
Steam and laughter drifted through the chamber as they prepared for the new day. Josephine checked on Adris—still asleep from the warm milk he'd drunk before bed.
"Mama… two more minutes, pretty please," he mumbled, clutching his teddy.
She kissed his cheek and left him to rest, joining the household for breakfast.
Xavi ate privately in their room, savoring her cooking.
Ronan and his men arrived again before noon, bearing documents. "Business proposals," Smith announced.
Assia sighed and went to fetch the Queen. Josephine rolled her eyes, earning a laugh from Xavi. He took her hand, and with a snap of her fingers her gown changed to flowing white trimmed in gold. A radiant sun-shaped crown circled her head. Xavi dressed again in black and followed her into the hall.
They bowed low.
"We apologize for disturbing you, Your Majesty," Smith began. "We have new plans to present."
Xavi leaned close, whispering so only she heard, "There are no plans, love. Ronan just wants to see you again—he's fallen for you."
Josephine glanced at him, half amused, half irritated. He stood beside her throne, expression unreadable behind the mask.
As the meeting dragged on, Ronan edged closer. "Could we… perhaps, dine together sometime?" he asked with a smile.
Josephine's answer was simple: she lifted her hand, showing the golden wedding ring gleaming on her finger.
Ronan blinked. "Where is your husband, then?"
"Busy," Assia answered crisply.
Ronan laughed. "Convenient."
At that moment, soft footsteps echoed. "Mama…"
Adris appeared, teddy in hand, hair tousled. Josephine rose instantly, scooping him into her arms.
"Hi Papa…" he murmured sleepily toward Xavi.
"Papa!?" Ronan repeated, stunned.
Xoni entered just in time to hear. "Xoni Roman?" Smith whispered. "Then that means—"
Xavi chuckled and pulled off his mask, ruffling his hair. "Come on, I was having fun."
Josephine smoothed his hair back into place, smiling.
"King Xavi," Ronan breathed.
"King Ronan," Xavi replied evenly.
Assia, flustered, nearly dropped Adris's bowl. "Her Majesty Josephine Xavi Roman," she announced.
Josephine fed Adris as the boy sipped his milk contentedly.
Ronan sighed, a good-natured smile replacing his pride. "Well, I suppose I lose them both."
Ronan laughed. "Weren't you courting Velara?"
Xavi blinked.
"She tried to kill Josephine," Xoni said matter-of-factly, wrapping an arm around Anesthesia. "So Josephine sent her where she belongs—up."
Ronan whistled. "Remind me never to cross your Queen."
Before anyone could reply, Queen Olyida hurried in, clutching a letter. "Xavi! Your siblings—my children—they're back!"
Xavi groaned. Josephine looked at him, surprised.
"You have more siblings?" Anesthesia asked.
"Three," said the twins in unison. "There are six of us—four boys, two girls."
"The other girl's a nightmare," Xoni muttered.
"True," Xavi said, kissing Josephine's cheek.
A sudden pulse of energy rolled through the room. Adris floated upward, eyes flickering red and green.
"Adris?" Queen Kendra called.
"My head!" he cried.
His body expanded in a burst of light. Josephine reacted instantly, throwing up a shield around the castle as her son grew massive, his form shifting between wolf and child.
"MAMA!" Adris roared, the sound shaking the heavens.
Tears streamed down Josephine's face. She tried to reach him, but Xavi pulled her back, wings of energy spreading behind him.
Adris's fangs glinted; magic spheres spun around his body. He howled into the sky, a deep, wild sound that carried through every forest and valley. All the wolves of the kingdom answered—including Xavi himself.
Then, slowly, the power ebbed. Adris's form shrank, collapsing back into his mother's arms.
"Mama…" he whispered weakly.
Josephine held him close, rocking him until his breathing steadied.
"Looks like Adris is getting stronger," Xoni said softly.
"Stronger every day," Queen Kendra agreed.
Josephine wrapped her son in his favorite blanket, pressing her lips to his hair.
Outside, Zephyria's towers glowed beneath the rising moon, and for a moment all was still—the kingdom safe again under the watch of the Silent Queen, her King, and their sleeping child.