Josephine prepared a huge, glorious feast for lunch. The castle kitchens smelled of roasted meats, warm spiced bread, and rich soups simmering in enormous pots. By afternoon, everyone sat at the largest dining table in Xavi's castle—long, elegant, carved from ancient darkwood.
Josephine moved gracefully between them, serving Xavi first.
"Thank you, love," he said warmly.
She smiled softly and continued serving the children as well.
Grimvale Dominion Guests
"So, how is Grimvale Dominion Kingdom?" Xavi asked his cousins as everyone settled.
"All is good, Your Majesty," Viola answered respectfully.
"Good. How are you all?" Xavi continued.
"We are all good," they replied in unison, and he nodded.
"Your wife is extremely beautiful," Alina commented.
He chuckled. Before he could reply—
"Yeah! Mama is very, very pretty!" little Opehlia announced loudly.
Everyone at the table awed.
"And what's your name, sweetie?" Solyn asked gently.
"Opehlia! And this is my twin brother, Orion!" she declared proudly.
"That's so cute," Dacian said as the twins giggled.
Lazaric leaned forward. "Xavi, where is your first child? The one Velara birthed for you?"
"Right here, Mr— and oh, that bitch's name should not be spoken in this castle," Adris said through a mouthful of food.
"Why? What happened to her?" Vorric asked curiously.
"Mama killed her and changed my blood. So I am Mama Jojo's first child."
Adris said it calmly—still eating.
"Oh…" Vorric muttered, as everyone bowed their heads and continued eating quietly.
Chaos at the Table
Opehlia held her father's hand while she ate.
"PARTY!!!!!" Queen Oliyda and Queen Kendra shouted together.
Xavi groaned loudly and rolled his eyes.
"Nooo!!" he said in an exaggerated childish voice.
Josephine held his hand with a small amused smile.
"Shut up, boy," Kendra snapped loudly.
Xavi flinched like a scolded puppy.
Josephine silently laughed into her hand.
"Oh, and your childhood friends are coming soon, Xavi. Some will stay for a while," Queen Kendra added.
"Okay," Xavi said simply.
Suddenly Josephine inhaled sharply, holding her stomach. She stood up fast and ran to the nearest bathroom—vomiting.
Queen Oliyda hurried after her.
"Sorry, sweetie," she soothed.
It was clearly her morning sickness.
Xavi sighed deeply and immediately started writing a long list—her "Motherhood and Pregnancy Era" checklist.
Adris laughed at him.
Xavi tugged his ear.
"Keep laughing, boy."
The twins giggled at both of them.
Endless Parties, Endless Family
Queen Kendra threw her party and then announced another huge party coming soon. Everyone clapped politely.
Queen Sophina—Josephine's mother—hugged her daughter tightly.
"Congratulations, my dear."
"Hi Grandma!!" Opehlia said, running into Sophina's arms.
Hendrick held Orion.
"Lila-baby!" Sophina cooed, kissing Opehlia's cheeks as the little girl giggled.
"Hi Grandma," Orion said.
"Hi, my sweet Ron," she replied, kissing his hair.
"Grandpa!!" both twins shouted as Hendrick and Sophina played with Xavi and Josephine's children—their grandchildren.
One Month Later — Two Birthdays Coming
Time moved quickly.
Xavi and Xoni's birthday was now two weeks away. They were both turning thirty-nine.
For the first time in five years, Xavi was genuinely excited.
His Queen was with him again.
For five long years, he never acknowledged anyone who wished him a happy birthday—except his children. Every year, they came into his room with a small cake that said Happy Birthday Papa. They lay beside him, and he held Josephine's picture against his chest, wishing she would wake up.
Now she was here. Alive. In his arms every night. He wanted nothing more.
Josephine was preparing many surprises after Adris told her how miserably he spent those birthdays. She promised herself this one—and every one after—would be special.
Meanwhile, Xoni had fully recovered. She played with Renia—her little girl was now crawling everywhere. After putting her baby to sleep, Xoni joined Anesthesia in the bath.
"Hey, my sweetheart," Xoni murmured, kissing her shoulders.
"Hmmm?" Anesthesia hummed.
"What do you want for your birthday, baby?"
"You," Xoni said playfully.
Anesthesia laughed softly.
Josephine — Three Months Pregnant
Josephine's bump had begun to show. She was three months pregnant.
Adris, Orion, and Opehlia stayed glued to her side every day.
"Ron hungry," Orion mumbled, rubbing his sleepy face.
Josephine dressed the twins, changed them, and put Adris in new clothes she had bought for him. Then she joined Xavi for lunch.
Caius Meets Aradia
Caius accidentally bumped into one of Josephine's guardians—Aradia—while she spoke with Minote.
"So sorry, miss," he said quickly.
Aradia turned, noticed his handsome face, and smirked. Minote discreetly stepped away.
"Uhm… you're King Xavi's assistant, right?" she asked.
Caius nodded shyly.
"I am Queen Jojo's guardian. I'm Aradia."
"Nice to meet you," Caius said.
"Sooo… are you perhaps single?" she asked boldly.
"N-no, ma'am," he said with a small shy smile.
"Good. You're mine now. I don't take no for an answer."
Aradia grabbed his face and kissed him on the lips.
Caius froze—blinking rapidly.
"Bye, sweetie!" she said, walking away.
Caius blushed, chuckled softly.
"Cute," he murmured, dazed as he walked toward the hall.
Visitors Arrive — The Past Returns
Xavi sat on his throne while Josephine slept peacefully. Her bump grew day by day, and he cared for her and the children before they left for school.
He eventually fell asleep on his throne—exhausted from work.
An hour later, carriages pulled up to the castle.
Josephine remained asleep. Xavi was bathing.
The six visitors entered.
"Greetings, Your Highness," they said.
"Hello, children. Good to see you all again," Queen Oliyda said.
"You too," they replied, taking their seats.
The women:
Queen Eltharia — Voidflare Dynasty, half-dragon, half-mermaid
Princess Kaelene — Shadowreach Empire, half-witch, half sea-elf
Princess Lexa — Blackspire Covenant, half-mermaid, half dark witch, bratty, rude, and obsessed with Xavi since childhood
The men:
King Fenric — Forgotten Night Court, dark wizard demon
Duke Rhykar — Nocturnis Kingdom, half dark-elf, half siren
Grand Prince Azeron — demon elf, powerful in spells
Xavi finished bathing. Josephine slept peacefully in their room. He closed the windows, covered her gently, kissed her bump and cheek, then dressed in black pants and a maroon shirt. His hair was slicked back and tied.
The doors opened.
The Blood Reign Syndicate entered as Xavi walked to his throne.
"ALL HAIL KING XAVI ROMAN!" Caius announced.
"HAIL!!" everyone echoed.
Kaelene smiled seductively at him.
"It's been years, Xavi. How are you?" Fenric asked.
"I am well. And you're still single, you old man," Xavi teased.
"You… laughed?" Lexa gasped.
"Yeah. Life has been going well with my kids and wife," Xavi said proudly.
"You got married!?" they all exclaimed.
"Yes, I did," Xavi replied.
Kaelene's smile fell instantly. She clenched her fists.
Orion Runs In Crying
"Papa!!!"
Orion burst into the throne room—crying hard.
"Papa papa papa papa!!" he sobbed, running up the stairs.
Xavi used magic to lift him gently, placing him on his lap.
"Why are you crying, Ron?"
Adris entered carrying sleeping Opehlia. Her right foot was bandaged.
"Papa… the… the… the bullies pushed the library book-holding thingy… and Lila saved me… but her foot got hurt because of me!!"
Orion cried harder.
Xavi shot Caius a look—Bring milk. Caius nodded and rushed away.
"It's okay, Ron. Lila will be fine," Xavi said softly.
"Uhm, Dad… that's going to be a problem," Adris said. "The healers said her foot bones are crushed. She can't walk for now."
Xavi's heart dropped.
"Who did it?" he asked, voice low and dark.
"The king of Opaline Empire's son. He's in my class. So… I returned the favor." Adris shrugged.
Azeron frowned.
"Hold on, Xavi—what of Velara's son?"
Adris' eyes glowed dark yellow.
"Don't EVER call me her son. Ever again."
"Adris," Xavi warned in a stern fatherly tone.
Adris lowered his head. "Sorry, Dad."
"Wear Lila's sock. Don't let your mother see her leg," Xavi ordered.
Adris nodded and left.
"It's not your fault, Ron, hmm? Lila saved you because she loves you. Now stop crying before your Mama wakes up, okay, my big boy?"
"Okay, Papa…" Orion sniffled as Caius gave him milk. He drank it quickly and went to his room.
The Queen Returns
Josephine finally woke up, took a warm bath, and dressed in a blush-black sheer maternity gown with long sleeves.
Her bump was visible—beautiful.
She made her way downstairs to prepare lunch, unaware of the storm unfolding in the throne room.