Truly Gifted

Chapter 22: Daughter

Dearest Danric:

You are now the proud father of a baby girl!

I have to say that your daughter seems to have inherited her mother's lungs. They're both loud screamers. I do not envy your eardrums upon your return.

My heart gave a loud thump at the first line before I relaxed into a grin. I could just see Russav smirking. A father himself, he too had been a wreck at Nadav's birth.

Both mother and child are hale and hearty, and Mel has decided to name the baby Elestra in honor of your mother. I offered up Savannah because it sounded similar to Savona but she told me most politely to save it for my own daughter. Do you suppose I've upset her delicate sensibilities with my egocentric ways?

I grinned, touched by Mel's thoughtfulness. My mother would be pleased to learn that her first granddaughter had been named after her.

As much as I loathe you for haring off and stealing my share of the manly action, I certainly hope this letter finds you safe. I've informed your parents of their granddaughter's birth and they are on their way to Athanarel.

Meliara promises to write as soon as the healers deem her strong enough to put pen to paper. Evidently, even she cannot gainsay them. She has, however, coerced me into writing you on her behalf, and sends you her love.

Your most favorite cousin,

Russav

The desire to race back to Athanarel was overwhelming and I had to remind myself that it was expected of a king to deport himself in a dignified manner. Thus, I walked briskly instead of dashing towards the inn. As I passed the tap room, I gave the order for the men and women who were not assigned to training the militia, to pack up and be ready to ride out in half a candle. Climbing up the stairs and into my bedroom for the past two weeks, I sent a reply to Russav informing him of my impending departure from Kryster and arrival at Athanarel.

In less than the stipulated time my entire escort was mounted and ready to go. Sitting astride my own grey I took a quick look around, nodded my farewell to the town elders then spurred my steed into a gallop.

Our return to Athanarel-city was greeted with little fanfare for we had arrived ahead of schedule due to my insistence that we cover as much ground as we could in as little time possible. I was bone weary but elated as I handed the reins to a stablehand who said to me with a grin, "Welcome back, Your Majesty."

"It's good to be back," I replied with a smile before asking, "How's the queen?"

"Already out of bed, my lord." He grinned.

Inwardly, I groaned. That meant she could be anywhere else but her rooms. To be on the safe side I went to her rooms, hoping against hope that she would be there, saving me the hassle of traipsing through the whole of Athanarel. Then again, that wouldn't be much of a problem considering that I had chased her cross country before.

Mora smoothly rose from her seat despite my sudden arrival, batting aside the tapestry heedlessly. I suspect the woman might have expected me for she was utterly calm and collected. Mel had once mentioned that Mora was far more inscrutable than I was. "Your Majesty," she said, dipping into a deep curtsy after putting down some linen and thread.

"Mel?" I asked.

"In the Queen's Gardens with the Prince and Princess." She inclined her head in the general direction of the open window through which an abundance of sunlight shone.

"Thank you." I turned to leave but curiosity got the better of me, "Sewing?"

"Her Majesty tried, my lord, but I fear she only succeeded in ruining the linen and her fingers." I winced in sympathy.

"I'm afraid needlepoint is not my strong suit as well. Your kindness is appreciated, Mora." A bow, and I was gone.

My long, hurried strides soon brought me to the Queen's Gardens, where the flowers grew in abundance, perfuming the air with their heady fragrance. I heard low sounds of laughter and the soft coos a mother made to her child. Sure enough, I found my mother cuddling what seemed to be a bundle of fabric and my father – seated on a low stool – making senseless noises to it.

Mel sat beside her on the thick blanket that had been placed on the ground. Her back was against a shady tree and she had been propped up with pillows and bolsters. Alec lay flat on his belly with his back to me, cramming a slice of chocolate and nut cake into his mouth, heedless of choking himself.

The adults looked up as one when I approached, my parents with voluble expressions of joy and Mel with a smile that would gladden any weary heart. Her greeting was wordless as she stretched out her arms for a hug that I was more than happy to give. With my face pressed into her auburn hair, I inhaled the scent of her and the soap she used. "I missed you so much."

"I'm sorry I missed the birth," I murmured, feeling a small body worm its way between us. Alec's head popped up in front of me as I drew back from Mel. He seemed put out that I had neglected to greet him. "I'm sorry. I missed you too."

"Alec miss Papa," he replied, throwing his arms around my neck. I sighed.

"Don't be sorry you missed the birth. I was screaming for your blood halfway through," said Mel with a smile. "But it was well worth it. Come look!"

My parents beamed as the precious bundle was handed from grandmother to mother, and finally to me. All children are beautiful to their parents, no matter how red and wrinkled they may seem at first. But Elestra, my little Elly's, skin was losing its ruddy color, and her chocolate brown eyes blinked sleepily before she yawned, revealing a small pink tongue. A light dusting of brown blonde hair crowned her head and her tiny hands scratched at the blanket that wrapped around her. I extended forefinger and thumb to hold one of those small hands. Her fingers felt like rose petals, soft and silky; and they smelt wonderfully clean when I pressed her dainty palm to my nose – which she promptly grabbed and squeezed.

"Ow! She got me."

As if on cue, Russav made his appearance with family in tow. "Ah, that one will be leading men by their noses." I grinned, prying Elly's fingers from the protuberance on my face.

"Like her mother," I returned, glancing over at my wife. "Though this one led me on a merry ride round the country." Mel smacked my arm playfully.

"Don't listen to Russav. Just yesterday he complained that our daughter was being cheeky." Mel tried to look angry and failed.

Russav pretended to look hurt and clutched at his heart. "The lascivious wench grabbed my nipple!"

"Through all your layers of clothing?" said Tamara wryly, cradling her own baby boy. "Even I can't do that."

"That's different. You're my wife. I'd gladly disrobe for you."

"Russav…" began my father warningly with a pointed look at Alec.

My distant cousin had the decency to look apologetic. "Alec, my man! Come give your Uncle Russ a hug."

If the laughter before was strained, the joyous sound that rang out now was unfettered and carefree. For a moment, all seemed right in my world.

A/N: Sorry for neglecting this! But I just decided to finish up chapter 22 since it was half done. I'm not sure if there are still readers out there but enjoy anyways!