๊งเผบ ๐๐ฒ๐ช ๐ช๐ท๐ญ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ธ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ เผป๊ง
The moon cast a soft, silver glow through the castle window, illuminating the canopy bed where Nia and Kiyoshi laid. Nia woke up first by gentle movement of her belly, signaling the baby's stirring. She smiled and gently and tried to move, when she realised Kiyoshi's arms were wrapped tightly around her.
"Good morning, Kiyoshi," she murmured, gently nudging his shoulder.
Kiyoshi opened his eyes almost instantly, a sleepy smile spreading across his face. "Good morning, love," he murmured, his voice still raspy from sleep. He leaned down and brushed a kiss against her cheek, the coolness of his touch sending a shiver down her spine.
Nia giggled softly as she leaned closer to Kiyoshi, her fingers tracing a pattern on his chest. "What are your plans for today?" she asked, her voice still gentle and sweet.
"Later this morning, I have a meeting scheduled with Captain Shale of Vortex," Kiyoshi said, sitting up, "There have been some developments with the border skirmishes, and we need to discuss a course of action."
Nia nodded and Kiyoshi asked, "What are your plans for the day, my Queen?"
"Just the usual, I suppose. Attending to the children, overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the castle, and oh yes, I do have a meeting with the ambassador from the other vampire kingdom, Nyxenar. We are discussing a potential charity event to foster better relations between our kingdoms." Nia paused for a moment, her gaze drifting out the window as she thought about the upcoming events. "I hope it is not too much for me, considering..." She trailed off, gesturing toward her growing belly.
Kiyoshi looked at her with concern. "Are you sure that is wise, my love? You know we can always reschedule."
"It is alright, Kiyoshi," Nia said with a soft smile. "I have been feeling well lately and I want to do my part in fostering better relations. Besides, it's not like I will be doing anything too strenuous, and I will have you there to support me."
Just then, a loud cry pierced the quiet morning. "Oh dear," she sighed, recognizing the sound instantly.
"Seems like my little princess is awake," Kiyoshi said, his tone amused.
Nia sighed playfully. "Looks like my duties are starting early today."
With a gentle sigh, she swung her legs out of bed and made her way to the nursery. Kiyoshi watched her go to the room beside their own.
Nia entered the nursery to find Niya, their one-year-old daughter, perched upright in her crib, her chubby arms reaching out for something. The baby's dark brown eyes were wide with excitement, her black hair a curly mess around her face. Nia smiled and gently picked her up, cradling her in her arms. "Hello, my little princess," she cooed, kissing her soft, cheek. "What do you think you will be doing today?"
"Mama!" she squealed, reaching out and grabbing a fistful of Nia's afro hair. The motion was both adorable and painful, but Nia didn't flinch. "Mama," she repeated, as if to make sure she had her full attention. Nia laughed and gently untangled her fingers from her hair, kissing her palm.
As Nia played with Niya, a deep chuckle rumbled from behind her. "You are a wonderful mother, Nia," Kiyoshi said, standing in the doorway. "Our little one is lucky to have you."
Nia blushed, turning to face him. "And you," she said softly, "are an amazing husband and father. I don't know what I would do without you." She looked down at their daughter, her eyes shining with love and pride. "You know, sometimes I cannot help but wonder if she takes after me more, or if she really does look just like you."
Kiyoshi chuckled, his gaze never leaving his wife's face. "I will not lie, my love, she does have your eyes. They are truly beautiful. But I think she has my hair." He gestured toward Niya's head, where her curls were beginning to resemble his own.
Their moment was interrupted by a series of insistent banging coming from the bedroom door. "Mama!" a high-pitched voice cried, "Mama!"
Nia and Kiyoshi exchanged knowing glances. They could already hear the muffled protests of the maids trying to calm whoever was at the door.
Nia let out a laugh. "Sounds like our other little princess is awake too," she said, referring to their three-year-old daughter Kyra.
Kiyoshi walked towards the door, opening it to reveal a tiny figure in a ruffled nightgown. There stood Kyra, their three-year-old daughter, with her arms crossed and a pout on her face.
"Your Majesty," one of the maids began apologetically, "we tried to explain that you and Her Majesty were still asleep..."
Kiyoshi held up a hand, silencing the maid. "It is quite alright," he said kindly. "Thank you for attending to her."
The maids bowed and scurried away, leaving Kiyoshi and Kyra alone.
Kyra toddled towards her father; her little arms still crossed. She reached her arms out, signalling that she wanted to be picked up. Kiyoshi smiled warmly and scooped her up, cradling her in his arms. "There you go, attacking your poor father so early in the morning," Kiyoshi chuckled, rubbing her back. "What do you say we go see Mama and Niya, hmm?"
Kyra nodded emphatically, planting a big, wet kiss on her father's cheek. As they walked towards the bed, where Niya and Nia sat on the bed. Nia watched with a smile, a wave of warmth washing over her. Kyra was already such a little lady, so confident and full of life. It was a contrast to her own shy nature when she was that age.
Kyra snuggled into her father's arms, her head resting on his chest. "Mama," she mumbled sleepily, reaching out a hand towards Nia.
Kiyoshi sat on the bed, with Kyra still in his arms. "Good morning, my little princess," Nia whispered, brushing a stray curl from Kyra's forehead.
"Kyra, you know you shouldn't wake your parents so early, right?" he teased, giving her a gentle squeeze.
The little girl giggled, her tiny fingers curling around her mother's nightgown. "I just wanted to see you, Mama," she said, her voice loud.
"What about me? Do you not want to see me, too?" Kiyoshi asked, his voice teasing.
"Dada," Kyra said, as she cupped Kiyoshi's face with her small hands and kissed his cheek. "I love you too, Dada," she murmured, her eyes still heavy with sleep.
Nia smiled, watching the tender interaction between her husband and daughter. "She is such a daddy's girl," Nia said with a laugh.
As Nia played with both her daughters, Kiyoshi leaned back against the headboard, his gaze filled with a love and gratitude that words couldn't express. "Thank you, Nia," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Nia looked up at him, her expression softening. "For?" she asked, sensing there was more to his words than mere thanks.
"Thank you for everything," Kiyoshi continued, his eyes lingering on her face. "For loving me, accepting me, and giving me this... this beautiful family."
Nia's heart swelled. "Thank you, Kiyoshi," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you for letting me into your life, into your heart."
Kiyoshi leaned down, his lips brushing against Nia's lips in a gentle, loving kiss. "I love you, Nia. With all of my heart, and for all of my life."
๊งเผบ ๐๐ญ๐ช๐ท๐ท๐ช เผป๊ง
The late afternoon sun shone warmly through the elegant windows, illuminating Adanna as she sat before her vanity. Her reflection looked back at her, as two servants braided her long afro hair into intricate cornrow braids. The process was slow and meticulous, and Adanna found herself lost in thought.
Adanna, unlike her sisters, has never met their society's typical beauty standards. She was pleasantly voluptuous, with curves that defied the rigid expectations of a slender silhouette.
She was the lightest of her sisters and resembled more of their late mother. She had soft full features and almond shaped eyes that were usually filled with mischief. It was a wonder how her sisters managed to be so popular and marry into such important families when she, Adanna, was the odd one out. She knew her father was proud of her, though. He always told her she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and she believed him.
Yet, as she gazed at her reflection, a flicker of doubt crossed her usually bright face. She was twenty-six now, and the past three years had been a whirlwind of change. Niameda had thrived under Kazi's leadership, its economy booming. A war had erupted between the neighbouring kingdoms of Umbris and Rovrik, with Kazi leading Niameda's forces to assist Umbris. Their victory had secured a valuable alliance.
Ife, ever the intellectual, had scared off countless suitors with her sharp wit and unwavering principles. Tanisi had been shipped off to a distant aunt to learn the finer points of etiquette, much to her initial displeasure. Asha, ever the social butterfly, had flitted from one gathering to another, collecting admirers like they were rare jewels.
Nia, already a mother of two, was now expecting another child.
And then there was Adanna. Three years, and nothing. Not a single suitor, not even a stolen glance from a handsome stranger. A pang of loneliness pricked at her heart. Perhaps, she thought wistfully, she was simply meant to remain single. Her father had always insisted that she would find someone, that there was someone out there for everyone. But as the months turned into years, Adanna began to wonder if he was right or maybe it was time to take things into her own hands...
"Leave my hair down for a bit, girls," she told the maids, shocking them with her abrupt change of heart. They exchanged a puzzled look but quickly agreed, untying the half-braided threads.
Adanna reached for a hand mirror and examined her face. Her skin had a beautiful caramel colour, with a healthy glow. Her dark eyes were bright with intelligence and a hint of mischief. Her lips, plump and red, formed a determined smile.
"Maybe I am not thin," she said to her mirror, "but I have something special too." With newfound resolution, she stood up, her gaze fixed. "It is time to find a husband. And this time," she said, a cheeky sparkle in her eyes,ย
๊งเผบ "๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ต ๐ท๐ธ๐ฝ ๐๐ช๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐ฏ๐ธ๐ป ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ถ ๐ฝ๐ธ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ท๐ญ ๐ถ๐ฎ." เผป๊ง