Xavi woke abruptly, Josephine's voice echoing in his mind:
"Xavi… drop food on my throne by sunrise…"
He gasped, shot upright, and didn't hesitate. He bathed quickly, dressed sharply, and rushed downstairs. He ate his breakfast so fast the cooks were stunned, then pointed toward the maids.
"Go—buy foodstuffs. Everything. And other important items too," he ordered.
Then he tied his apron tightly around his waist.
He began to cook.
He didn't just cook—he cooked fast, slicing and stirring with terrifying precision. Pots hissed, fire flared, spices filled the whole castle, and Xavi's focus was unshakeable.
While he worked, a tiny sneeze echoed from the staircase.
Ophelia—his baby girl—walked down in her little pajamas. Her nose was red, her eyes watery.
Darius turned.
"Hi, Lili," he said softly.
"Lili," Ophelia's nickname, was what everyone called her. Darius lifted her gently into his arms and rubbed her back.
Xavi immediately switched pots and began making hot chicken soup, specially for his sick daughter. Darius watched his brother move in a frenzy, preparing a massive feast at the same time. Xavi's powers stirred spoons, carried plates, and chopped vegetables as he worked on ten dishes at once.
Xoni, Yora, Melantha, and the rest of the family arrived, blinking in confusion.
"Dad… what are you doing?" Adris asked, yawning while holding Orion in his arms.
"Nothing," Xavi snapped. "Because if I talk, all of you will say I am now completely mad. So no—just wait. You will see for yourselves."
He pointed dramatically.
"Now OUT. OUT OUT OUT!"
They tried to speak—he shoved them all out and locked the kitchen door.
Then he sat down with Ophelia and fed her hot soup.
"Thank you, papa," she whispered weakly.
"You're welcome, my love," Xavi murmured, kissing her forehead.
He carried a huge tray, placed a large table in front of Josephine's throne, and arranged dish after dish, smiling to himself.
"Now my sweetheart will like it," he said with a glowing grin.
The Demon Royalty Arrive
Carriages rolled into the courtyard.
From the shadows emerged:
King Draegor – a tall, dark demon
Queen Kalyra – a powerful sea witch
Their four children followed:
Prince Jaxen – half demon, half sea wizard
Princess Lixie – demon
Prince Arix – sea wizard
Princess Morticia
Inside, Xavi was cleaning Josephine's throne, covering each plate of food carefully. Ophelia was on his left hip; Orion sat happily on Kael's head, his tiny legs dangling as he played with Kael's hair.
Outside in the garden, Adris sat under the tree, Vespera—a massive serpent—resting comfortably on his head while he drew the castle.
Inside the hall, Tess kissed Josephine's cheek tenderly and left to prepare more food.
The moment she left…
Josephine breathed in.
A deep, heavy inhale—
Then her eyes burst open, glowing bright purple.
She smirked.
She sat up instantly, looking around with a sharp, awakened awareness. She opened her mouth to call Tess—
But nothing came out.
She was still mute.
It stabbed her heart. Tears rose quickly and she wiped them away. Her stomach growled violently; she was starving. She got up and ran down the hallway barefoot, searching for her family.
Then she smelled something.
Food.
She followed the scent and walked into the throne hall.
Her eyes widened.
A full feast was laid out beside her throne.
FOOOODDD!!!! Josephine screamed in her mind.
Both Kara and Xavi heard the mental shout.
"Josephine?" Xavi whispered to himself.
Kara grabbed Oliver's hand.
"Josephine is awake!"
"Baby, calm down—let's go see her," Oliver said, lifting their children, Thane and little Asne.
The Proposal that Broke Hell Loose
King Draegor and his family were seated in the other grand hall when Xavi walked in holding a sleeping Ophelia.
"I'm coming, love—three minutes," Xavi whispered under his breath.
He positioned Ophelia carefully in his arms while Orion continued to ride Kael like a horse.
Everyone bowed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Xavi nodded while braiding Ophelia's hair into tiny strands like her mother's.
"What brings you here?" he asked.
King Draegor swallowed.
"W-well… Your aunt, Duchess Ardera… sent us a marriage proposal. On your behalf."
Xavi froze.
Adris—standing by the door—froze.
The demon king immediately regretted speaking.
"What words came out from those lips of yours… Mr…?" Adris said, voice deep and terrifying for a 10-year-old.
Ardera paled.
"Y-you crossed the line, bitch," Adris hissed. His eyes glowed.
"Vel'thun."
Ardera collapsed—paralyzed, numb, unable to move.
Kara rushed in.
"Adris!"
He turned sweetly. "Hi, Auntie Kara."
"Stop it. Now."
Adris snapped his fingers. Ardera gasped as breath returned to her.
Kara exhaled.
"I heard Josephine giggling. And she said 'food' too."
Ophelia squirmed, rubbing her eyes.
"Hi papa…"
"Hi baby," Xavi said, checking her temperature. "All good?"
"Yep!"
She flew off his lap giggling.
"MAMA IS UP!"
Xavi froze.
He heard giggling—inside his mind.
The Hallway of Shock
Everyone hurried toward Josephine's throne room.
They entered—
And froze like statues.
Josephine sat on her throne, legs swinging, happily chewing on crisp fried ribs, her mouth stuffed full.
Ophelia screamed:
"MAMA!!"
Josephine clapped her hands and opened her arms.
Ophelia flew into them.
"YAYYYYYYYYY MAMA IS UP!!"
YES MY LOVE, I AM UP, Josephine said in her mind, hugging her.
Assia gasped.
"Mama!"
Orion flew toward her too; she kissed both twins.
Adris stepped forward, trembling. He reached out and touched her hair as if afraid she'd vanish.
Her eyes softened.
Adris!? her voice echoed in his mind.
She smiled so hard it lit the room.
He burst into tears and hugged her tightly.
"You're finally awake… Finally…"
She hugged all her children, arms full of warmth after so long in silence.
Xavi's eyes filled with tears.
Queen Olydia stepped forward.
"King Draegor, please take your daughter and leave. My son's wife—the mother of his children—is awake."
The demon king bowed and fled with his whole family.
Xavi slowly approached.
Josephine looked up—
Then ran to him.
He caught her, lifted her off the ground, and spun her in his arms.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him so tight he could barely breathe.
She kissed him, over and over.
His light.
His wife.
The mother of his children.
The heartbeat of Zephyria.
The Queen of Zephyria was finally awake.