Six days later, the grand throne room of Zephyria shimmered in gold light that spilled from the tall stained-glass windows. Queen Josephine sat upon her massive black and silver throne, her crown glinting faintly beneath the rays. Her eyes were closed — calm, regal, but heavy with thoughts. The scent of burning sage and moon lilies filled the air, and the distant murmur of the kingdom below echoed softly through the castle halls.
Far from the throne room, the royal family was on their way to Zephyria. The carriages rolled over the glittering silver bridge that led into the kingdom — their flags fluttering with the symbol of the Red Moon. Xavi, his mother Queen Oliyda, and the rest of the family sat in one of the carriages, while another carried Maelkor, the once-feared wizard demon, and Melantha.
Melantha had been glancing shyly at Maelkor since the journey began. She couldn't help it — there was something quiet and tragic about him that drew her in. He sat with his arms folded, his dark blue hair falling slightly into his cold eyes, gazing out the window without a word.
"So…" Melantha said, trying to break the silence, "you plan on dying single and meeting your wife in the afterlife?"
Maelkor's head turned slightly. "Yes," he answered flatly, not even glancing at her.
Melantha sighed, turning away to look outside. "How romantic," she muttered, disappointment softening her voice.
He finally looked at her — just for a moment. Her face reminded him so painfully of Ella, his late wife — the same soft features, the same warmth in her eyes. His gaze dropped, and he exhaled, feeling that old ache twist in his chest.
Moments later, the carriage rolled to a stop before Josephine's Castle — a towering masterpiece of black stone, violet banners, and shimmering crystal towers. The family stepped out, awestruck.
"Whoa…" Kael, Severin, Darius, and Melantha all said together, eyes wide in disbelief at the vast beauty before them.
Assia, Josephine's handmaiden, came forward, bowing gracefully. "Welcome to Zephyria, my Lords and Ladies. Her Majesty awaits."
Adris was still in school, but the halls buzzed with life — guards, maids, nobles, and citizens bowing as the royal guests entered. Inside the throne room, Josephine still sat, eyes closed in a trance-like focus.
"Josephine, love?" Xavi called softly.
Her lashes fluttered open, and when her eyes met his — everything in her face changed. She smiled, radiant and alive again.
Xavi's heart melted. He had missed that smile.
Assia leaned to whisper to the family, "The Queen has been vomiting since last night, ever since she returned to Zephyria."
The women exchanged looks immediately.
"Let them do a test later," said Queen Sienna, her tone calm and wise.
Everyone nodded in agreement as the court continued.
Moments later, little Adris came running in, his tiny feet echoing on the marble floor. "Hi, Mama!" he shouted happily.
But before Josephine could respond, one of the visiting kings frowned and blocked him. "She's busy with us, boy. Go!"
Adris froze, hurt flashing across his face. His lip trembled — and then he began to cry loudly, tears falling down his cheeks.
Josephine's eyes snapped open in fury.
She rose from her throne in one swift motion, her dark aura radiating across the hall. She strode down the steps, grabbed the king by his hair, and yanked him down to his knees.
Everyone in the room immediately bowed, trembling.
"I—I'm sorry, Your Majesty," the king stammered, fear choking his voice.
Adris sniffled and waddled over, hugging his mother's legs. Josephine softened instantly. She lifted him into her arms, pressing a kiss to his forehead and patting his back gently.
During lunch, the royal dining room filled with laughter and warmth again. Josephine sat beside Xavi, feeding Adris tiny bites of food.
"Mama, look! I won a medal!" Adris said proudly, holding up the shining piece of metal.
Josephine clapped for him joyfully. "That's wonderful, my little prince!"
Everyone joined in the applause — but then Josephine's expression suddenly changed. She froze, covered her mouth, and ran out of the hall.
"Josephine!" Xavi started to rise, but his mother's voice stopped him.
"Sit your ass down, child," Queen Oliyda said, standing up herself and hurrying after Josephine.
They found her outside, bent over, vomiting again. Oliyda quickly held her hair back.
"Breathe, darling," she whispered softly.
A few minutes later, Josephine was taken to the healing room. Sienna entered, carrying a glowing orb and a small bowl. "Here, my Queen, please… pee into this. We must be sure."
Josephine nodded, calm and quiet. After three minutes, she handed it back. Sienna began her work — mixing herbs, chanting softly, and placing the orb over the bowl.
Outside, Xavi paced with Adris in his arms. "Mom, what's going on? What's wrong?" he asked anxiously.
"Nothing, dear," Queen Kendra said, smiling faintly. "The women are busy. Sit down."
He sighed and obeyed, but worry clouded his face.
An hour passed. Suddenly, the orb cracked — then shattered with a glowing light.
Sienna gasped, eyes wide. "She's carrying!"
The women all erupted into joyful laughter and cheers.
"What's going on in there?" Kael called from outside.
Josephine blinked, stunned for a moment — then smiled wide, tears brimming in her eyes.
Queen Anesthesia hugged her tightly. "Congratulations, my little girl!"
Xoni joined, wrapping her arms around Josephine as well.
The door creaked open, and Adris stood there sleepily clutching his teddy bear. "Why is everyone yelling?" he asked with a yawn.
"Nothing, Adris love," the women giggled, winking at Josephine.
By nightfall, Josephine returned to her room. Xavi stepped out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist, another drying his hair.
"Hey, baby," he said, smiling softly. "Are you okay now?"
She nodded and hugged him tightly, writing on a small piece of paper:
'I have a surprise for you tomorrow.'
"Anything for you, my sweet baby," he said, kissing her forehead. They climbed into bed, the moonlight dancing over them as they drifted to sleep.
By sunrise, Josephine quietly rose and covered Xavi with a blanket. She slipped into the kitchen, tying an apron around her waist. She began to bake a cake — a huge carrot and vanilla cake, his favorite.
As she mixed, Sienna entered the kitchen with the paper results. Josephine smiled mischievously and tucked the paper into the middle of the cake.
Later that morning, the entire family gathered in the dining hall.
"Why a cake?" Xavi asked, confused as Josephine placed it before him with a playful grin.
"Cut the cake!" Queen Oliyda urged.
"But it's not my birthday…" Xavi muttered.
"Ugh, just do it!" Xoni scolded with a laugh.
"Okay, okay, jeez," he said, licking a bit of icing before slicing through the center.
The knife hit something inside. He frowned, digging into the middle — and pulled out a folded paper.
Everyone went silent.
Xavi opened it, his eyes scanning the words. Slowly, his expression shifted — shock, then awe, then joy. His eyes filled with tears.
"Josephine…" he whispered.
Queen Oliyda smiled knowingly. The family cheered.
Xavi rushed to Josephine, lifted her in his arms, and spun her around, laughing and crying all at once.
Adris clapped happily, giggling as his father hugged his mother tight, both glowing with happiness.
Queen Kendra leaned forward, smiling. "Adris, you're going to be a big brother soon."
Adris gasped, then flew into the air — literally — spinning and shouting, "YAY!!!!" as everyone laughed.
That night, as celebrations continued across Zephyria, Maelkor sat quietly outside his old home. It looked different now — repaired, repainted, lived in. Children played in the yard.
Melantha approached him gently, sitting beside him. "Why are you here?" he asked, eyes still on the house.
"Just checking out the kingdom," she said softly. "Your old home… right?"
"Yeah." He nodded. "It's pretty. Ella loved it — her garden, her kitchen… everything."
He yawned, exhaustion softening his usual sternness. Without a word, he leaned his head on Melantha's shoulder and closed his eyes.
She looked down at him — the cold, distant wizard demon — and smiled faintly.
For the first time in years, Maelkor finally looked at peace.