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Cherie and Mattias have spent most of their marriage in and out of FaeTility clinics (Trademark for exploitation assholes.) I keep telling her to relax and that a child will come in its own time, but Cherie is a force that could never be tamed. In the end, I conceded to mind my own business. It is their choice, after all.
I just want to make sure that she is happy and healthy.
A knock sounds at the door, followed by more gibberish from Cherie. I growl, beyond annoyed at my sister.
“Is something wrong with Taneisha?” Elva awakes with a start, transitioning from blissful sleep to being fully lucid in less than a minute. I draw her into my bare chest, gently kissing the top of her head.
“Nothing is wrong. I am here, my queen.” I hold her tight until her breathing calms, and she eases back into her restful slumber.
I can’t help but kiss her as I slide out of bed and pad into the hallway in my shorts. I don’t pull on a robe because… I like to feel the fresh air on my skin. What can I say?
My mother’s house in the Summer Court is large, old-fashioned, and comfortable. The artwork is so bright it threatens to blind me as I exit my room, squint, and look around for Cherie and my daughter.
A high-pitched squeal sounds downstairs, and I grin. As quietly as possible, I walk down the stairs and into the family room, where Cherie and Taneisha are playing on the couch.
“You know, sis, Elva hasn’t slept this well since that little princess in front of you was born. I hope you know I appreciate it.” I lean against the wall and cross my arms as I speak.
Cherie looks up at me and pretends to wretch. “Gods, Nathan, can you put some clothes on? You are going to damage this girl psychologically.”
I laugh and join them on the floor. Mine and Elva’s daughter, Taneisha, is trying and failing to grasp some wooden cubes that are too big for her hands. Cherie and I take turns placing the heaving block into her palm. When she holds it for over a few seconds, I’m filled with such a fierce sense of pride that I can barely contain it.
Parenting tiny Fae is wild. Their progress is so clear and so inspiring. I would gladly burn cities or sacrifice myself to keep my daughter safe.
I’d only ever known a love like that once before: for her mother.
“Sup, Nate?” Mattias saunters into the family room, dressed in attire similar to mine. He’s relaxed a lot in his time with my sister. I would never tell him, but I like him. He’s the opposite of boring.
I nudge Cherie with my elbow.
“What?” She says aggressively.
“You didn’t say anything to him about his outfit?”
Mattias looks visibly confused, and Cherie giggles—which causes Taneisha to giggle alongside her. “Why would I say anything to my husband? He’s sosexy.”
“Who’s… sexy?” Elva comes in and plops down behind my back. She is still in her thin nightgown. Winter Fae have odd definitions of modesty compared to Summer Fae.
“Apparently, I am,” Mattias says. Elva looks him up and down and laughs.
“I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” Elva says with a small smile.
His cheeks turn red, and everyone else erupts in laughter. I wrap my hands around my stomach and groan. My sides might split from mirth. “Shut—up—“ I manage to get out. “I don’t want to wake up Lucinda.”
This time, Elva is the one that speaks. She rubs her forehead and chuckles to herself. “We were up pretty late last night. I don’t think she’ll live for a few more hours.”
I roll my eyes, “Could you please stop drinking Faerie Mead with my mom?”
“Actually, Elva,could you keepdrinking Faerie Mead with my mom?” Cherie mimics me, and I push her over. “Hey—ow. Calm down, you grumpy king. We both know it makes her chill.”
“Yup,” Mattias contributed.
When our laughter died down again, I met eyes with Elva and saw the odd flicker of sadness under her happiness.
I put my palm on her knee. “Are you ready to go?”
“Clearly not, Nathan.” The Queen of the Winter Court smirks. “You are not either. Let’s hurry, I want to get there before anyone else.”
“Are you heading to the hot springs?” Mattias asks. I nod.
