Xavi held Josephine's hand tightly as they sat on their majestic throne, the sun casting a golden glow over the hall. "When Adris was six, he became a full troublemaker… completely," Xavi said, his tone a mixture of frustration and amusement. "I've got reports from the school… the village… Zephyria… more reports from school!"
Josephine turned her gaze toward Adris, her eyes softening with motherly love. Adris bowed his head, clearly embarrassed. She looked back at Xavi, holding his hand and patting it gently. She knew exactly why he was talking so much: he missed her terribly and was overjoyed that his wife was finally awake. The family watched the happy king, smiling at the quiet warmth that radiated from the couple.
Later, Josephine made lunch for Xavi and, after ensuring he was comfortably fed, gently put him to sleep. She then bathed the twins. Orion, ever the playful one, kept splashing water on his mother, giggling uncontrollably. Josephine laughed sin her mind and silently and played along, splashing him back. Once bathed, she carefully dressed them, rubbing oil on their tiny feet. Adris was still asleep, so she placed both twins in their beds and lay down beside them, holding their little fingers until she drifted off to sleep herself.
Eight days later, Josephine was busy organizing a surprise birthday party for Adris. She sat at the table, making an intricate list, determined to invite the entire school to Zephyria. Meanwhile, Xavi and Ophelia were engaged in one of their cute father-daughter arguments.
"No, Papa, this is what I'm trying to say—the hot bubble thingy!" Ophelia said, pointing at a steaming pot.
"A pot? What exactly do you need it for?" Xavi asked.
"Nothing, Papa! I want to cook for Mama… make yummies for her!" she said, tugging playfully at her jumpsuit.
"But she's my wife, hm?" Xavi asked, confused.
"No, Papa… she's my Mama!" Ophelia corrected, causing Josephine to roll her eyes affectionately at the pair.
Orion, still sleepy, waddled into the garden, picking flowers with unsteady steps. Josephine prepared lunch and called the children to the table, holding their hands as they sat beside her. She placed herself next to Xavi, who smiled warmly at her. Orion chewed happily while Ophelia patted his head.
Adris yawned as he awoke from his nap, planting a sweet kiss on Josephine's cheek, and she returned it lovingly. Xavi finished his meal just as Caius leaned over to whisper, "Your rival has arrived to negotiate with you." Xavi's face darkened, and he immediately whispered instructions to Caius, who nodded and relayed orders to The Blood Reign Syndicate.
All twelve carriages, filled with children, maids, food, toys, and clothes, prepared to leave for the safest castle—the Josephine Castle. Orion remained behind, sleeping, while Josephine stayed in the garden under Xavi's orders. The maids and guards were having a picnic, one of Josephine's favorite pastimes, while Xavi and his allies, dressed in black and oxblood, waited strategically, their weapons and plans carefully hidden.
Three hours later, as the picnic continued, thirteen carriages arrived. Twelve people disembarked, entering the castle with six guards and six maids, each carrying bags. The leader of this group was King Kavoris, the head of The Phantom Dominion—a half-vampire, half-wizard. He was accompanied by six men and six women.
Xavi's cold gaze met Kavoris'. "We are not here for war," Kavoris declared.
"I should believe that?" Xavi asked with a chuckle.
"Yes… you should. You are now the most powerful king in the entire kingdom," Kavoris said with a small laugh. Xavi allowed a short laugh of his own.
"What do you all want?" Rhory asked cautiously.
"Peace," Kavoris replied. "And negotiations." The group laughed softly at Xavi's raised eyebrow.
"King Kavoris wants peace… now? Why is that, huh?" Hallie asked.
"Easy now," another male member said. "Nothing… just want to talk. No weapons. No blood. Just talk," Kavoris added, his words calm.
As Xavi read Kavoris's mind, he discovered a hidden plea: "Just accept, Xavi… I want my Zaira back. It's been years since I last laid eyes on her…"
Xavi nodded slowly. "Sit," he commanded.
A small, sleepy voice broke the tension. "Papa…?"
Orion, hearing this, waddled in, still groggy and without his hearing aid. "H…h…huh?" he stammered.
"PAPA!" Opehlia shouted, running with tiny legs. "Have you seen Ron?" The volume made everyone cover their ears.
"Why do you always yell, please!?" Akira muttered.
"Because I am small… I am tiny!" Opehlia retorted.
The Phantom Dominion froze. "You have kids!?" they exclaimed.
"Yes," Xavi confirmed, his tone firm yet proud.
At that moment, Josephine arrived, her presence commanding yet gentle. "Hi, Mama!" Opehlia greeted, giggling loudly. Orion, startled, vomited onto the floor. Josephine immediately swooped him into her arms.
"Ron?" Xavi asked, still seated on his throne. Orion weakly gave a thumbs-up, smiling at his father as Josephine carried him away.
The members of The Phantom Dominion were a formidable and diverse group:
Men:
Vaelik, a black kitsune versed in spells
Rythor, half-werewolf, half-mermaid
Kairon, half-wizard, half-Leif
Thalric, a red wizard demon
Sorin, full hybrid
Jarek, half-dark elf, half-blue serpent
Women:
Sypheria, a blood witch
Drusella, a vampire
Xyra, half-sea elf, half-werewolf
Soraya, a moon witch
Eltharia, half-vampire, half-dragon
Saera, half-witch, half-forest elf, half-wolf
Josephine returned with Orion, while Opehlia remained on Xavi's lap, eating a chicken wrap he fed her. The Phantom Dominion watched silently.
"Hi, Papa!" Orion squeaked, giggling.
"RON!" Opehlia exclaimed, snatching his chicken wrap. Laughter filled the hall at Xavi's flustered expression.
Josephine slowly took her seat on the throne. "What did they say?" Xavi asked.
Making a hand sign, Josephine indicated, He has a high fever, but he'll be fine in four days.
"Your mute?" Sorin inquired, surprised.
"Yes," Xavi answered, patting Josephine on the head.
"Wait… your queen, Josephine of Zephyria, right!?" Xyra asked, her eyes glowing purple. They all bowed deeply in respect.
Orion and Opehlia sat quietly as Josephine fed him chicken from the wrap and gave him a cup of raspberry milkshake. He drank eagerly, giggling at every sip. The dark hall echoed with the innocent giggles of Josephine and her children, a sharp contrast to the tension surrounding The Phantom Dominion.