The drawing room was alive with enthusiastic chatter. Kazi, dressed in a pale purple gown, sat dramatically on a comfortable armchair, surrounded by her sisters and father. Fabric swatches cluttered the floor, the result of a frustratingly long appointment with the dressmaker.
"A wedding gown, Kazi," Ife said an especially beautiful fabric covered with lace, "It is customary for the bride to wear a wedding gown, especially when marrying into Althea. They are known for their extravagance."
Kazi groaned, tugging at the silky sleeves of her robe. "Extravagance is one thing, Ife. This gown I am wearing already weighs more than I do. How am I supposed to move in that?" Her sisters laughed, and even Governor Nari chuckled from his seat across the room.
Adanna, curious, darted in with a question. "But how does the wedding ceremony even work, Kazi? You know, with Azrael being an angel and all?"
All eyes turned to Ife, who sighed dramatically. "Not this conversation again, Adanna."
Adanna, unfazed, countered with a playful smirk. "Hey, I thought you like to 'read' all those books, Ife. You should know this information."
Ife rolled her eyes. "Angels have the same lifespan as us, Adanna. The only real difference is their celestial lineage and... well, they can fly."
Asha, chimed in. "Flying aside, that sounds fairly simple then."
Tanisi, the youngest, gasped. "Wow, first Nia marries a vampire, now Kazi's marrying an angel! What is next, a mermaid?"
Their light-hearted banter was interrupted by a frantic maid bursting into the room. "Sir Nari!" she shrieked, her voice carrying through the room. Everyone turned towards her. "What is it?" Governor Nari shouted, a frown etched over his brow.
"Her Majesty," the maid stammered, catching her breath, "Queen Nia of Ivamis! She is... she is giving birth!"
A collective gasp echoed throughout the room. The sisters exchanged wide-eyed looks; Kazi's wedding troubles temporarily forgotten.
"Nia? Giving birth?" Governor Nari repeated, his voice thick with shock.
"Prepare the carriage!" he exclaimed, yelling orders at the maid. "We leave for Ivamis at once!"
The news of Nia's impending birth overshadowed everything else. Kazi's wedding plans were put on hold as they went to be with their sister. The thrill of a new royal birth mixed with Nia's concern, resulting in a flurry of emotions. As the carriage drove away from Niameda, Kazi and Nia's futures remained wonderfully, unpredictably open.
Three days later, following a hectic journey full of nervous expectation, the carriage came to a halt before Ivamis Castle
Three days later, following a hectic journey full of nervous expectation, the carriage came to a halt before Ivamis Castle. Vampire maids, their motions fast and silent, led them to Nia's chambers.
Kazi's heart hammered frantically against her ribs as they approached the room. Moonlight flowed through the windows, illuminating Nia's bedchamber, where she rested with a calm grin. Kiyoshi reclined next her on the luxurious pillows, his normally stern expression marked with a tenderness Kazi had never seen before. However, the small bundle cradled in Nia's arms stole the show.
"Nia!" Adanna screamed, the first to shatter the stunned hush. She dashed to the bedside; her sisters close behind. A swarm of happy greetings filled the air, accented by congrats and coos for the new baby.
Nia, her face beaming with excitement, stretched out and squeezed Kazi's hand. "Thank you, all, for coming. It means everything to me.
Kazi leaned down, tears in her eyes. "Nia, we would not have missed it for the world. Look at her; she is perfect."
The sisters took turns cradling the small princess, admiring her exquisite features and incredibly soft skin. Adanna, ever the curious one, couldn't stop asking questions.
"So," she chirped, her voice barely audible, "what have you decided to name her?"
Nia and Kiyoshi exchanged glances, a quiet conversation going between them. Finally, Kiyoshi cleared his throat and spoke, his voice full of calm pride.
"Princess Kyra of Ivamis," he said.
A chorus of "awws" flooded the room. The name, which was both graceful and strong, suited the tiny princess perfectly. Even though they had only just met her, they already felt an undeniable bond with her. As if sensing their affection, Princess Kyra cooed softly, her tiny fist uncurling and reaching for the air. Her eyes were brown just like her parents' and she was of mix complexion.
As the initial enthusiasm faded, the other sisters left the room, leaving Kazi, Nia, and the sleeping Kyra alone. Kazi sat in a chair near the bed, her gaze never leaving her sister and niece. Nia, exhausted but content, yawned and leaned back against the pillows.
"She is beautiful, Nia," Kazi said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. "You and Kiyoshi make a wonderful team. She is lucky to have you both as parents." Nia smiled, her eyes shining with tears.
Nia chuckled quietly, a tired but satisfied smile on her lips. "I cannot believe she has finally arrived."
"I am so happy for you both," Kazi said, "Being an aunt is going to be... interesting, to say the least."
Nia squeezed her hand. "Interesting, chaotic, and absolutely wonderful," she responded with a glint in her eyes. "Just like having you as a sister."
A few moments later, Kyra started crying, her tiny voice filling the room. Nia shot to her feet, her instincts as a mother taking over. She gently rocked the baby back and forth, her soothing voice crooning reassurances. "Shh, shh, it is all right, sweetheart. Mommy's here."
Kazi couldn't help but smile as she watched her sister in action. "Would you like to hold her?" Nia offered, passing the calmed down baby to Kazi. She carefully placed the tiny bundle into her sister's arms, making sure to support her head. "She feels so light," Kazi whispered, amazed.
Nia, her face still shining from the joy of motherhood, reached out and gently touched Kyra's cheek. "Absolute perfection. Just wait until you have your own, Kazi. You will understand a whole new level of love."
Kazi laughed, a light, carefree sound. "Oh, not for me, Nia. Not anytime soon, at least."
Nia raised an eyebrow, a teasing twinkle in her gaze. "Not soon? When then? Surely you and Azrael have discussed it?"
"Discussed it?" Kazi repeated with a laugh.
Nia snorted. "Do not be coy with me, Kazi. When do you two intend to start your own little family?"
Kazi adjusted Kyra gently in her arms, and the question sent a warm flutter through her heart. "Well," she said, carefully choosing her words, "We are not even married yet. But maybe... after seven years of marriage? Then we can consider it."
Nia's jaw nearly dropped. "Seven years?" she exclaimed. "That is quite the time frame! You never told me it would be that long." she teased, unable to hide her surprise. "Kazi, are you serious? Do you not want children?"
"Of course, I want children, Nia. But right now, I..." she trailed off, her gaze drifting to the window where the moonlight cast a soft, silver glow. "Right now, I just want to enjoy having Azrael all to myself. Besides we have duties, I am the General of the Niamedan army, and I am responsible for protecting this realm. We cannot risk anything that might distract us from that."
"Ah, so it is all about Azrael, is it?" she teased. "The arrogant, infuriating prince you swore you would never marry?" Nia's voice held a playful note as she watched her sister's expression.
"Do not tease me, Nia." Kazi rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "I do not deny that Azrael is a distraction, but It is not just about him. I have responsibilities, and I need to be able to focus on them. Besides, I want to enjoy being with him now, before our lives become too complicated."
Nia's smile softened. "Alright, alright," she said, raising her hands in surrender. "I see the love shining in your eyes, even if you try to deny it. You are truly happy, Kazi. And that is all that matters."
"I am happy, Nia. Happier than I ever thought possible."
The peaceful lull in the room was broken by Kazi's hesitant question, her voice barely above a whisper. "Nia," she began, "how exactly does a woman... come with child?"
Nia, who had been gazing fondly at Kyra, choked back a laugh. The question, so innocent and curious, brought back a flood of memories, some sweet, some a little spicy. "Oh, Kazi," she chuckled, wiping a tear from her eye, "that is a bit difficult to explain."
"Is it something only vampires know?"
Nia shook her head. "No, no, it is the same for everyone, human or otherwise. It is just... well, it is something that happens between a man and his wife... or in your case, with Azrael, your companion."
Kazi's brow furrowed. "But what happens?" she asked, "What do you do?"
Nia couldn't help but smile at her sister's innocence. "It is a little more complicated than that," she began, "let us just say it is a very special act of love and intimacy, Kazi. Something best experienced, not explained."
Kazi's confusion deepened. "Love and intimacy... but it don't sound very pleasant from the way you are describing it."
Nia burst out laughing, a warm, genuine sound that filled the room. "It is not unpleasant, it is... pleasurable. Very pleasurable." She took a deep breath, still chuckling. "It is something you have to experience for yourself, Kazi. When the time is right, and you and Azrael feel ready, then you will understand."
"Actually, on second thought, maybe I do not want to know," she mumbled, burying her face in Kyra's soft hair. "It sounds a bit terrifying. Maybe I will just ask Azrael about it later."
Nia chuckled with a tinge of mischief in her voice. "Are you sure? If you do not know what you are doing, you can end up having a child before you are ready.
Kazi's head snapped up, alarm flashing in her eyes. "Doing what? Nia, what are you suggesting?"
Nia winked with a cheeky spark in her eyes. "Never mind, Kazi. Simply enjoy your time with Azrael. And believe me, when the moment is right, you will figure it out."
Kazi sighed, a sense of comfort and confusion flooding over her. Maybe, she reasoned, some things were best kept a secret until the time came. For the time being, she was satisfied to focus on her lovely niece and the burgeoning love that filled her heart.