The dawn of Friday morning broke softly over Zephyria. The skies shimmered with light gold, the air humming with calm energy. Tomorrow would mark a special day — Josephine's nineteenth birthday.
Xavi had spent weeks preparing a celebration grand enough to honor his Queen. Zephyria itself gleamed under banners of crimson and gold. Even the distant kingdoms had sent word — and by now, everyone was arriving, including King Raviel and his family.
Inside her private study chamber, Josephine sat by the window, her long golden hair tied loosely, sunlight dancing across her face. Her desk was covered in scrolls and quills. Being mute never stopped her — her words flowed beautifully through ink and parchment. She was writing a list of orders for the castle staff, ensuring everything was perfect before the big day.
The door opened quietly.
Xavi stepped in, carrying a tray of food and a small jar of oil. "Hey, baby," he said softly, his deep voice gentle and affectionate as he placed the tray down.
Josephine turned to him with a bright smile — the kind that could calm the storm inside anyone.
Xavi leaned down and kissed her lips tenderly, his hand brushing her cheek. "You look even more beautiful this morning," he murmured before lifting a spoon and feeding her carefully. She chewed slowly, smiling shyly between bites.
Then, with the same warmth, he uncorked the small jar and rubbed the soothing oil gently over her rounded bump. His touch was patient, reverent.
Suddenly — kick.
Xavi froze, then grinned widely. "Our baby is kicking, love!" he said with delight, his voice echoing through the quiet room.
Josephine gasped softly, her eyes glistening with emotion. She placed her hands over his and rubbed the spot tenderly, then leaned forward to kiss his forehead.
Later that morning, Adris came in, his energy radiant as always.
"Careful now, Mama," he said sweetly, taking her hand. He floated just a few inches above the ground — his control over his powers improving every day thanks to Xavi's training.
Josephine chuckled silently, clapping her hands in delight as Adris stepped into the open courtyard. His eyes glowed red — brighter than ever — and then, with a deep breath, he transformed. His small body expanded, glowing with power until he stood as a giant, howling into the sky like a celestial beast.
The air vibrated with energy.
Josephine's heart swelled with pride. She clapped joyfully, her eyes filled with tears of happiness. When Adris finally reduced his form and ran to her, she hugged him tightly and kissed both his glowing cheeks.
But beyond the palace's walls, jealousy brewed.
Princess Zariah, watching from the shadows, clenched her fists. Envy twisted inside her heart. Josephine had everything — love, beauty, power, family. Zariah's jealousy became a dark obsession. She began plotting quietly, trying to find a way to harm the unborn child that everyone loved so dearly.
But Xavi, ever watchful, protected his wife at every step — his instincts sharp as steel. Wherever Josephine went, his eyes followed, his presence never far behind.
By Friday afternoon, the castle was alive with motion.
Xavi oversaw the servants and knights bringing in decorations, tables, lanterns, and the finest foods from across the realms. Everything had to be perfect for his queen's 19th birthday.
Soon, the royal families began to arrive.
King Hendrick arrived with his wife Sophina, holding her hand tightly. Sophina had been quiet since the loss of her mother — Josephine's Grandmother— during the War of Clans.
The halls fell silent when they entered.
Sophina's eyes were distant, haunted by memories of the war. The day her grandmother was killed, Sophia — the fierce queen and Josephine's ancestor — had unleashed her fury upon those who started the war, wiping out entire enemy clans in one final, blazing act of vengeance. The memory lingered still, deep in Sophina's heart.
Josephine rose from her seat, her expression full of tenderness. She approached Sophina and wrapped her arms around her gently. Noah, Anesthesia, Oliver, Theodora, and Theron all joined, forming a warm embrace around her.
Hendrick smiled faintly, capturing the moment with an orb of memory, which glowed faintly blue as it preserved their image. His hair had already turned white with age and sorrow. He pressed a kiss to Sophina's forehead and pulled her close. She rested her head against him, silent tears glimmering in her eyes.
By nightfall, peace filled the halls once again.
Adris was tucked into bed, his small face glowing in the lamplight. Xavi sat at his bedside, holding a scroll in his hand — one Josephine had written earlier for him to read as a bedtime story.
"Then what happened, Papa?" Adris murmured sleepily, his eyelids drooping.
Xavi smiled. "Then the little one climbed to the tallest mountain and found the golden spoon. He took it home… and happily ate with it."
Adris gave a small, dreamy giggle. "The end?"
"The end," Xavi whispered, brushing his son's hair before kissing his forehead.
It was midnight when Xavi returned to their room. He carried a glowing cake — a small masterpiece crowned with silver and pink icing, flickering candles lighting up the dim space.
Josephine was awake, resting against the pillows.
"Hey, baby," Xavi said softly, a wide smile lighting his face.
Her eyes met his, full of love — love that spoke louder than any words she could have ever spoken.
"Happy 19th birthday, my love," Xavi said warmly, holding up the cake as the candlelight shimmered against her golden hair.
To his surprise, Josephine's eyes welled up with tears. She reached for her scroll and quickly wrote something down, then handed it to him.
On it were the words:
"X… I really want honey chicken noodles and dragon fruit."
Xavi blinked — then laughed heartily, setting the cake down. He cupped her face and kissed her forehead.
"Don't worry, darling," he said. "It will be prepared right away."
Josephine's tears turned to laughter. She clapped her hands softly in joy.
Then she closed her eyes and made her silent wish:
"I wish my baby will be born safely… and that my little family will be happy forever."
The candles flickered as she blew them out, her smile radiant.
Xavi fed her a piece of cake, and she fed him back in return, her delicate fingers brushing his lips.
He leaned in, kissing her cheeks softly — the sweet taste of cake and love blending in the quiet glow of the midnight flame.