The next day, Xavi made a huge feast for Josephine.
The entire castle was filled with the rich scent of food—honey chicken, butter beef, roasted meats, fruits, warm bread, juices, and dishes prepared with care and desperation. Everything he could think of. Everything she might want.
Josephine woke up with pain.
Her body ached as if it had been torn apart and stitched back together. She tried to stand, but her legs refused to obey. Instead, her body lifted.
She floated.
Slowly, unsteadily, she floated out of the room and down the stairs, her bare feet never touching the ground. Her heart clenched when she heard a familiar cry.
Novara.
Her baby was crying.
Josephine flew toward the crib, her movements shaky. With trembling hands, she lifted Novara up and held her close. Instinct took over. She breastfed her, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Novara went quiet.
The baby giggled softly, making cute little sounds, her tiny fingers gripping Josephine's skin. Josephine smiled weakly, her heart warming for the first time in days.
She carried Novara to the dining hall.
The smell of food hit her hard.
She was starving.
"Mama?" Adris said sadly when he saw her.
Josephine pulled him into a tight hug. Her body shook with fear and trauma as she kissed his cheeks again and again.
"Hi, Mama!" Orion said, running in.
She hugged him too.
"Mama!" Ophelia cried.
Josephine hugged all her babies tightly, sinking weakly to the floor. She tried to crawl, but Adris gently lifted her with magic and carried her into the kitchen.
Xavi was there.
Josephine saw the food—and rushed forward.
She grabbed a plate instantly.
Xavi's heart shattered.
She ate like someone who had been starved for years, using her hands, shoving honey chicken and butter beef into her mouth desperately. Grease stained her fingers as she devoured everything.
Adris quickly covered the twins' eyes.
The gang walked in with the rest of the family.
"Darling… eat slowly," Xavi whispered, tears filling his eyes.
She didn't hear him.
She licked the plate clean.
Then she threw it.
The glass plate shattered on the floor.
Josephine wasn't done.
She raised her hands, shaking, signing to Xavi desperately.
Please… please… give me more… please…
"Jojo…" Tess said, holding her baby bump, tears streaming down her face.
Xavi wiped his own tears as Josephine licked her fingers.
Adris couldn't bear it anymore.
He lifted her gently and placed her directly in front of the massive table of food.
"Eat well, Mama," he said softly.
Josephine didn't look at anyone.
She grabbed a jug of orange juice and drank the entire thing.
"Damn…" Neever muttered.
"Yeah… this is hard to watch," Haillie said quietly, holding Anya, who was four months pregnant.
Josephine took crispy fried shrimps and rice.
"Take a spoon, Josephine," Queen Kendra said gently.
Josephine shook her head no, her mouth full.
Xavi's mother held his hand.
"It's okay, my child. She will heal with time," Queen Oliyda whispered.
Xavi took a deep breath and nodded, his heart heavy.
Josephine finished everything on the table.
She breathed heavily, painfully full. Her hands and mouth were stained with food.
She gently tugged on Xavi's pants.
"Yes, love?" Xavi asked softly.
"Water…" Josephine said in her mind, pointing with her fingers.
Xavi quickly gave her a glass and helped her drink.
"All done?" he asked.
She nodded.
Zairah stood nearby, holding Akira's hand, her baby bump large—she was due in four days.
After resting briefly, Josephine wanted more.
She floated back into the kitchen, but there was no food left.
Tears filled her eyes.
"No yummies…" she cried silently in her mind.
Xavi entered the kitchen and froze.
Without a word, he tied an apron around his waist and cooked again.
Josephine ate everything.
Then she fell asleep.
Xavi carried her gently and placed her in the hall, where she slept peacefully. He ordered fifty guards and six maids to stay beside her at all times.
Assia approached, holding a scroll.
"Is she okay now?" Assia asked softly.
"Yes. She finished eating and is sleeping," Xavi replied.
Assia sighed in relief.
"From now on, all her meetings will be held here. Guards must surround every corner of the castle and the entire kingdom. Everyone will be checked before entering," Xavi ordered firmly.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Assia said, bowing before leaving.
That night, Fenric was taking a walk when he saw Avic drinking alone.
He looked tired. Broken.
Fenric took the bottle from him.
"Hey! Give it back!" Avic protested drunkenly.
"No—what the heck?" Fenric snapped.
Fenric was only 5'1, but Avic suddenly stared at him.
"Y… you're so pretty," Avic slurred.
"You're the prettiest boy I've ever met."
Fenric blinked.
Is he gay? he whispered to himself.
"Come, let's go home," Fenric said, holding Avic's arm.
Avic stared at Fenric's lips, smiled lazily, then grabbed his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.
Fenric's eyes widened.
His lips are softer… Fenric thought.
He pulled away quickly.
Avic smiled drunkenly, hugged him—and passed out.
Fenric carried him to his room, tucked him in, and quietly closed the door. He touched his own lips, a small smile forming before he walked away.
By sunrise, Queen Oliyda told Xavi she would leave to arrange the grand family reunion of Queen Kendra's children—three girls and two boys. She also mourned the loss of her first child, Roman… Xavi's father.
"BYE BYE GRANDMA! COME BACK SOON!!!!!" Ophelia shouted.
"BYE, LILA! I LOVE YOU ALL!!" Queen Oliyda waved, smiling tearfully as she left with Queen Kendra and Xavi's two cousins.
Ophelia wiped her tears.
"Bye, Grandma…" she whispered sadly.
Xavi lifted her into his arms.
"She'll be back in two weeks, baby, okay?" he said.
She nodded.
Xavi then began a massive plan to expand the castle. Builders worked day and night.
He checked on Josephine—still asleep.
She was having a nightmare.
He held her hand, his eyes glowing softly.
"Shhhh, my love. I'm right here," he whispered, kissing her lips gently.
One week later…
King Xavi's castle stood taller than ever—the biggest in the land.
Over three hundred rooms.
And the garden—
Josephine's garden.
More beautiful, more comfortable, filled with flowers, fruits, vegetables. She was a plant mom—she loved planting, growing, nurturing life.
Xavi stood in front of the castle, holding a sleeping Novara.
"I did it, Dad," he whispered to the sky.
"I hope you're happy. I will never break your promise. I am the greatest king… and a happy father… with the most amazing, gorgeous wife and Queen."
He smiled softly as Novara slept peacefully in his arms.