Alex awoke in an unfamiliar environment, cradled gently in the arms of a woman dressed in a pristine white coat. Her demeanor was both professional and compassionate. Surrounding him were women of varying ages, each one gazing at him with expressions of awe and joy.
"So... I really did get a second chance," Alex thought, a mix of disbelief and wonder swirling through his mind. "All thanks to that strange woman."
"Congratulations, Your Majesty. It's a boy," the woman in the white coat said, her voice soft but filled with pride.
On the bed lay a woman whose beauty seemed almost otherworldly. White hair framed her delicate face, and her high cheekbones were accentuated by her soft, cherry-red lips. Despite the exhaustion that marked her features, her presence held an aura of quiet grace and maternal warmth.
"Thank you, Tasha," Chloe replied softly, her voice weary yet brimming with gratitude.
Tasha adjusted the newborn in her arms, wrapping him snugly in a soft white blanket. She leaned closer to Chloe, who reached out eagerly, her eyes bright despite her fatigue.
"My baby boy," Chloe whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "After all these months... you're finally here. I can't believe it. I've waited so long for this moment." She cradled him gently, her heart overflowing with love.
Across the room, a woman with sharp, watchful eyes stood in silence. Lara's gaze was intense, scrutinizing the scene with a mix of curiosity and concern. She took a step forward, her expression softening for a moment before a flicker of unease passed across her features.
"Tasha," Lara said, her voice firm but controlled. "Why isn't the baby crying?"
"Mother, please," Chloe interjected, her tone calm but resolute. "Not every baby cries at birth. He's fine. I can feel it." She glanced down at Alex, her intuition giving her confidence.
Lara's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking between Chloe and the newborn. "Let me see him."
Without waiting for a response, Lara stepped closer and took Alex from Chloe's arms. She held him carefully but with the air of someone used to inspecting the fragile. Her sharp eyes studied him, then, with deliberate precision, she gave his bottom a swift smack.
"Ow! What the hell was that for?!" Alex thought, feeling the unexpected sting jolt him out of his silent wonder.
A faint wail escaped his lips, more out of reflex than pain. Lara's lips curled into a satisfied smile as she handed Alex back to Chloe.
"There we go," she remarked. "A good cry is healthy. It shows he's alive and strong. Strength this family will need."
Chloe pulled Alex close, her protective instincts flaring. "Mother, that wasn't necessary," she said, her voice firm. "He's perfect as he is."
Lara arched an eyebrow, her expression unwavering. "Perfect, yes. But even perfection sometimes needs a push."
Before Chloe could respond, the door to the room swung open, and the air seemed to change. A woman entered, her presence commanding immediate attention. She was middle-aged, her face radiant with a warm, welcoming smile, yet her regal bearing exuded authority that demanded respect.
"The Sovera," someone whispered in awe. Instantly, the women in the room bowed deeply, their movements synchronized in reverence.
"We greet the Sovera," they said in unison, their voices filled with deference.
The Sovera, Zelda, entered with a presence that made the air feel heavier. Her sharp gaze swept over the room, pausing for a moment on Chloe and the baby she cradled so tenderly. Zelda's lips curved into a soft smile, though her regal aura remained unwavering, commanding the room without a word.
"So, this is the newest addition to our family," Zelda said, her voice rich and melodic, a stark contrast to the sharpness of her earlier gaze.
As Zelda approached, her eyes briefly met Lara's. Her smile deepened, and her tone became slightly warmer. "Lara, it's been far too long. You really should visit more often."
Lara inclined her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Sovera Zelda, you look as young as ever. But I couldn't miss my daughter's childbirth, could I?"
Zelda nodded approvingly before her gaze shifted back to Chloe. There was a moment of silence as she took in the sight of her daughter-in-law, exhaustion evident in her features, though she still exuded grace and warmth.
"You look radiant as always, Chloe," Zelda said softly, her voice full of maternal affection. "Though, I can see you're still weak." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to Tasha. "Tasha, why hasn't she been given a recovery potion yet?"
Tasha froze. Her face drained of color, and she stammered, "I-I apologize, Sovera. I got carried away... I'll fetch it immediately."
"Carried away?" Zelda's voice rose sharply, slicing through the room like a blade.
Tasha quickly bowed, panic rising in her chest. "I'm so sorry, Sovera," she said, her voice trembling.
Zelda's gaze hardened. "You should thank your lucky stars this is a joyous occasion," she said, her voice cold as tempered steel. "Otherwise, your negligence would have consequences far more severe than mere embarrassment." She stepped forward, her presence overwhelming. "Go now. And remember—if my daughter-in-law's health suffers due to your foolishness, your entire family will answer for it."
Tasha bowed deeply, her hands shaking. "Y-yes, Sovera. Right away." She hurried out of the room, her footsteps echoing with nervous haste.
As the door clicked shut, Zelda turned back to Chloe, her expression softening. "Rest, Chloe. This child isn't just your son; he's the future of our family. We'll ensure he has everything he needs."
With surprising tenderness, Zelda reached out and took Alex into her arms, cradling him with an unexpected gentleness. It was as though she understood the weight of the child's future on a level that no one else in the room could comprehend.
"You look just like your father," Zelda murmured, her voice laced with a note of sadness. "It's a shame he won't be here to see you... not for a while, anyway. Those fools who think we're weak will regret underestimating us."
Her hand tightened around Alex, and for a moment, the air itself seemed to grow heavier with the sheer power radiating from her. It was a silent storm, palpable in its intensity.
Lara stepped forward, her sharp eyes narrowing as she observed the shift in Zelda's demeanor. "They still won't give up, will they?"
Zelda's expression darkened, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. "No. If I had my way, I would wipe them off the face of this earth. But I can't leave—not while my husband remains in seclusion. I am this family's protector, and the family needs me here."
Lara's voice was steady but laced with concern. "You should believe in your son. He's not weak—he's almost as strong as you are."
Zelda sighed, a deep, weary sound, but she nodded in agreement. "I know. But you know how he is—always seeking peaceful resolutions. It takes time. And when we could end the war swiftly with decisive action, time isn't a luxury we have."
Lara smiled, her expression softening as she recalled old memories. "Yes, I remember. But his way has always worked. He'll return once the war is over."
Zelda smirked faintly, a plan clearly forming in her mind. "Blade!" she called.
The shadows seemed to shift and twist as a figure materialized before them, bowing deeply.
"Make sure Aron receives this message," Zelda said, her smirk widening as she transmitted the message mentally. The figure, Blade, nodded with understanding and vanished in a wisp of smoke, leaving only a faint echo of his presence behind.
Lara narrowed her eyes, watching Zelda carefully. "What are you planning now?"
Zelda's smirk deepened, though she remained silent. "You'll see," she replied cryptically.
The door swung open once more, and Tasha returned, holding an assortment of potions. She was visibly shaking under Zelda's piercing gaze, her nervousness almost tangible in the room.
"I'm back, Your Majesty," Tasha said, her voice quivering.
"Less talking, more working," Zelda commanded, her voice sharp and commanding, cutting through the tension.
Tasha quickly set to work, administering the recovery potions to Chloe, who visibly relaxed as the strength returned to her body.
With Chloe now resting more comfortably, Zelda and Lara exchanged a brief, knowing glance. Zelda gave one final, commanding look to Tasha before turning and heading for the door.
As they left, Zelda's voice echoed with authority. "This child, Alex, is not just our heir. He is the future of this family, and I will ensure that he has everything he needs to rise to greatness."
With that, she and Lara stepped out of the room, leaving Tasha alone with Chloe and the newborn, the weight of the moment settling over them like a heavy blanket.