38. Luna
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
LUNA
The plush sofa cradled me as I leaned back, a contented smile on my lips as I rested a hand on my swollen belly. The scent of lilacs and apple blossoms wafted in from the garden, mingling with the sound of laughter echoing through the halls of our new home. I gently stroked my belly, marveling at the life growing within me.
I never imagined peace infusing my life. After everything we'd been through, it was like a dream to have this quiet moment. To have a home of my own.
This house was grand yet comfortable, spacious enough to accommodate our growing family and any visiting friends, but still intimate. Benedetto had found it through his web of connections, a summer house with polished wood floors, high ceilings, and decorations I’d chosen.
It was a complete opposite of the mansions I’d lived in all my life.
Best of all, it was far enough from Kalion that it was difficult for people to reach us with political schemes. Even though the emperor had officially declared Benedetto his heir.
"What are you thinking about, my love?" Benedetto asked, sitting down beside me and placing a gentle hand on my belly.
"Just how surreal and wonderful this all is." I leaned into his touch. "To finally have a true home together, after everything."
He smiled, that brilliant smile that made my heart flutter the more because it was so rare. "You're my home. Wherever you are."
I reached up to stroke his cheek, the stubble rough under my fingers. "And you're mine. Beloved."
"My vixen," he said as he pulled me close and pressed a tender kiss to my forehead.
I nestled into his embrace. This man who had once seemed an untouchable enigma was now my partner, my equal, my love.
This is what happiness felt like, I realized, a lump forming in my throat. True happiness, after a lifetime of fear and secrets and sorrow. With all the power in me, I would do anything to protect this. To protect our future.
My hand drifted down to rest on my belly once more. Please, let our child know only love and laughter within these walls. Shield them from the pain and persecution that has haunted our pasts.
In that perfect, sunlit moment, it was as if anything were possible.
Pip let out a contented chirp, drawing my attention back to the present. The little drake had grown plump and glossy in recent months.
"He's not the only one who's been indulging," Benedetto said with a playful gleam in his eye, his fingers grazing my rounded belly. "I think our little one inherited a sweet tooth from someone."
Sofia glanced over from her perch by the window, one eyebrow arched. "Bold of you to assume the craving for sweets comes from your wife, Lord d’Alvarez."
The smile in her voice gladdened my heart. Benedetto’s agreement to undertake training with Soulrider once our children were grown had satisfied the Sorcerer, who’d taken Moonshifter as a credit on our account. I suspected Sofia had made a separate agreement to speed their arrival, but she wouldn’t talk about it.
She’d always been quiet, but her silences had a pained quality now.
Rose giggled, her face alight with mischief. "Maybe we should start hiding the sweets from both of them," she stage-whispered to Lorenzo and Palma, who’d come to visit.
"I heard that," I said, throwing a cushion at my sister. She caught it deftly, putting her nose in the air.
I marveled, my heart swelling with pride. Now look at her. Teasing and laughing like any other young woman. Like the carefree child she always should have been.
Lorenzo chuckled, shaking his head at our antics. "Careful now. We wouldn't want to accidentally summon any rogue desserts. I've heard tales of Sorcerers conjuring entire cakes out of thin air."
"Wouldn't that be a sight," Palma said. "An army of pastries marching through the halls, demanding to be eaten."
The image was so absurd, so utterly ridiculous, that I couldn't help but dissolve into laughter. Benedetto joined in, his rich baritone mingling with my giggles.
This is what I fought for. These precious moments of levity and love. The chance to build a life brimming with laughter, even after all the pain we’d endured.
I leaned my head against Benedetto's shoulder, savoring the solid warmth of him. “Never leave.”
He turned, cupping my face with one gentle hand. The depths of his brown eyes held a tenderness that still made my heart flutter, even after all this time. "You saved me. In more ways than I can count. Everything I am, everything I have, it's all because of you."
Tears prickled, but for once, they were tears of joy, not sorrow. I closed the remaining distance between us, capturing his lips in a soft, sweet kiss.
Let the world turn outside our doors, I prayed. Let the schemers scheme and the politicians plot. In here, in this perfect pocket of sunlight and laughter, we were untouchable.
And for one blissful, shining afternoon, it almost felt true.
The conversation shifted as Lorenzo leaned forward, his expression growing somber. "I wanted to tell you that while Vivaldo's withdrawal was unexpected, his supporters haven’t given up yet," he said, sipping his wine thoughtfully. "For now, it's quiet. But it won't last forever. We’re here to help you prepare for whatever comes next."
He was right. We couldn't afford to let our guard down completely, even now. The power vacuum left by Vivaldo's retreat had caused a ripple of uncertainty among the aristocracy, and I knew all too well how quickly the tides could turn in the treacherous waters of Dimare’s politics.
But before the shadow of worry could fully take hold, Benedetto's face brightened.
"Father's doing better," he said with a note of relief. "He's started taking short walks in the garden. I think being here, surrounded by family, has done him good."
I smiled, picturing Marco's frail form ambling among the rose bushes. Out of Vala’s shadow and the reach of her spells, I had grown fond of the old man, appreciating his quiet wisdom and gentle humor.
"It's wonderful to see him recovering," I said. "He deserves this peace."
Sofia glanced up from her seat by the window, her green eyes thoughtful.
"It's amazing what a change of environment can do," she said. "And the lingering effects of the curse that was making Marco die slowly of a wasting disease have been lifted, thanks to your disruption magic."
I couldn't help a bit of pride at her words, remembering the moment I had unraveled the remnants of the dark spell that had been slowly draining the life from Benedetto's father. It was a small thing, really. But it made a difference. Maybe I was stronger than I realized.
I smiled at Sofia, grateful for her support. "I'm just glad I could help," I said. "Marco deserves a chance to enjoy his life, free from the shadow of that curse."
"Speaking of family," Palma said, "have you two started thinking about names for the little one?"
I laughed, resting my free hand on the swell of my belly. "We've tossed around a few ideas, but nothing's stuck yet."
"I still think 'Lucky' has a nice ring to it." Benedetto ducked as I swatted playfully at his arm.
"Speaking of fortune," he said, "Francesco has become more lucid in the past few months."
Sofia continued knitting. “When Soulrider examined your brother, he determined that some of the damage appears permanent. He's done what he could, and curbed the violence Francesco does to himself, but he's uncertain if further tampering might worsen his condition."
A heavy silence settled over the room, each of us grappling with the weight of Francesco's fate.
"It's heartbreaking," I said quietly. "There are moments when he seems almost calm. But then the madness takes hold once more."
Benedetto's expression darkened, a fierce determination burning in his eyes. "I won't give up on him," he said firmly. "We'll keep looking for a way to help him. I won't rest until we find a solution."
I reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "We'll find a way," I said. "We'll keep searching until we find the key to unlocking Francesco's mind."
Sofia interrupted the heavy moment. "Perhaps you’ll find a way with training," she said gently. “If not you, perhaps Rose. She’ll raise a sigil one day. I've rarely seen someone with such innate talent."
I turned and beamed at my sister. Rose ducked her head, a shy blush coloring her cheeks. "It's all thanks to your teaching," she said as she fidgeted with the hem of her tunic.
I was so proud of her. She was thriving. It was more than I ever hoped for.
Rose's magic danced around her, a shimmering aura that grew brighter with each passing day. The lightness in her step, the joy that radiated from her, it was a far cry from the timid, uncertain girl she had been.
"You've come so far," I said. "I always knew you had greatness within you. And now, the world is starting to see it too."
Rose's blush deepened, but a tentative smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Thank you.”
A sudden movement within me pulled me from my thoughts. I gasped, my hand flying to my swollen belly as the baby gave a strong, insistent nudge against my palm. A bright smile spread across my face.
"There it is again." I laughed, pressing my hand more firmly against the spot. "The baby's kicking."
Benedetto's face lit up, his expression softening as he placed his hand over mine. He leaned in, his lips brushing against my temple in a gentle kiss. "It's amazing."
The sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the room in a warm, golden glow. I leaned into Benedetto's embrace, savoring the peaceful moment as Pip nestled closer, his scaly form draped along my lap like a living blanket.
We’d fought hard for this happiness, and no one would take it away from us.