Filed To Story: Chasing the Rejected Luna's Heart (Clara & Liam) Book PDF Free
Knowing they had my back that way was definitely making it easier to step into my role as queen, and with my coronation looming on the horizon, they had helped me memorize all my lines, and I knew my duties by heart. Actually performing them was going to be another matter, but I had a lot more hope in my ability than I had at the beginning of this thing.
Plus, I had to admit, it was nice getting to spend time with Joram and making up for an early life without him as much as we could. It was going to take a while for us to be as close as I wanted to be one day, but he was trying and that meant more than words could say.
There was just one thing to do now. It was finally time to find out the sex of the baby I was carrying, and I couldn’t have been more excited. As busy as the guys were lately, they had all insisted on coming to my appointment. We were all so anxious, yet excited to finally know what was in store for us and our little family.
I was on the table, wearing a gown that opened in the front so the doctor could use the wand to wave over my stomach. That itself looked similar enough to the ultrasound machines back home, but the monitor was a crystalline slate that sprang to life at a brush of the doctor’s fingertips. The fae tech was more advanced than ours back in the human realm since it incorporated magic with science and technology.”Are you excited?” the doctor, a kindly older fae with violet hair streaked with silver, asked pleasantly as she settled onto the stool beside me.”Hell yeah,” said Marcus.
The doctor raised an eyebrow. “I was referring to the mother to be, but I appreciate the enthusiasm.”
Marcus grinned sheepishly as Cole elbowed him.
I couldn’t help but laugh. Each of them had been so adorable and enthusiastic in his own way. Even Alexander, who had seemed the most shaken by the prospect in the beginning, had been nothing but supportive.
As the doctor pressed the wand to my belly, I was relieved she didn’t need to use any cold gel. Definitely another perk of fae technology, especially since they seemed hellbent on keeping things on the cooler side as it was and the gown wasn’t exactly cozy.
I had to admit, I was more nervous than I had expected. It felt like my stomach was fluttering anxiously, and as excited as I was to have this baby, there was a part of me that hadn’t fully accepted the news until now.
Finding out the sex? That was just going to make it real in a whole new way. And my body was definitely showing the changes of being nearly six months along.
The doctor waved the wand over my belly and a holographic image came up on the crystal screen. She studied it for a moment before smiling. “Well, congratulations. You’re going to be the parents to a baby girl.””A daughter?” Cole choked out, looking like he was torn between a panic attack and tears of joy. He reached down to touch my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.”That’s wonderful,” Alexander said with a soft smile. The usually stoic vampire didn’t often show sign of emotion, so that made it all the more touching when he finally did. I knew he’d been hoping for a girl.”Called it,” Marcus said with certainty, even though he most certainly had not called it.”Well, she’ll have four dads watching out for her,” Liam said with a laugh.
My heart skipped excitedly as I stared at the screen, listening to my daughter’s fluttering heartbeat. I still couldn’t believe it, but now that it finally was sinking in that it was real, I didn’t feel afraid or doubtful. I just felt peace and joy unlike anything I’d ever known before.”So the baby is healthy?” I asked hopefully.”Yes, she looks perfectly healthy,” the doctor said with a smile. “Both you and the baby are, but of course, I want you to keep taking those elixirs I gave you to ensure good health and nutrition throughout the pregnancy. And with the upcoming coronation, it’s important to keep your stress down.””I will,” I promised her.
That was easier said than done, but the guys had assured me they would help take over whatever I needed them to as I became more pregnant. My belly was already starting to get in the way whenever I got out of bed, so I figured I was going to have to take them up on that eventually and just wanted to pack in as much now as I possibly could.
The timing probably wasn’t ideal, but I got the feeling that being a parent was a lot like becoming Queen. No one was ever really ready, and like Cole had said not too long ago, anyone who thought they were was mistaken.
We were actually doing this. I had never thought a few years ago this was the turn my life had taken, but looking back, I didn’t have any regrets. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
We thanked the doctor and left to go back to the palace. Joram was waiting for us, and as soon as he walked over, he embraced me. His wounds had healed well, and he was expected to make a full recovery, much to my relief.”So, how did it go?” he asked eagerly.”Everything is looking great,” I answered, rubbing a hand over the swell of my belly. “The baby is healthy. And in a few months’ time, you’re going to be a grandfather.”
His eyes widened and a spark of joy came into them. “A granddaughter?” he asked, a hint of tears in his eyes, which was saying something for the stalwart fae warrior. He hugged me again tightly. “Lavinia, that’s wonderful. I’m so proud of you.””Thanks,” I said, smiling as he pulled away.
After giving Joram their own greetings, the guys went off in different directions to return to their duties since all hands on deck were required leading up to the coronation. There were people coming to visit from all over the realm. Even a few dignitaries from outside our realm were rumored to be attending, and all I could do was hope I made a good first impression.
At least my built-in understanding of the fae language was kind of a cheat in that department. The finer points of grammar and cultural idioms were still a challenge that left plenty of room for brushing up, though.”I’m so happy for you all,” Joram said softly, gazing down at me lovingly. “You’re going to make wonderful parents.””I know they will,” I said, looking down at my baby bump. “Honestly, part of me is still afraid I’m not ready. For any of this.””Nonsense,” said Joram. “You’re just like your mother. Strong and kind. Those are qualities that go a long damn way, and I believe you can do anything you put your mind to. You’ve already proven that.””I appreciate that,” I said with a sigh. “At the very least, I’m willing to try.””That’s all anyone can ask of you,” said Joram.”So what exactly is this coronation going to entail?” I asked warily.”I’ll get you a program,” he assured me. “You can memorize it if you like, since I know you prefer being prepared, but you’ve already got your lines ready and the rest is just a matter of speaking from the heart.””Public speaking has never really been my thing,” I admitted.”Mine either,” he said with a chuckle. “But you’d be surprised at how you can perform when the pressure is on.””So many people are going to be there, though,” I said, following him over to the counter of the grand dining room. A servant appeared immediately, pouring me a juice and seltzer mixture that hit just the spot. “I’m sure plenty of them have their misgivings about me taking over.””You’re the talk of the realm,” he insisted. “And while there are always going to be naysayers, that’s just a fact of life. The vast majority tell tale of the brave princess who traversed realms to overthrow a tyrannical emperor who enslaved his people, alongside her valiant mates.””Huh. That sounds pretty dramatic,” I said flatly.
Joram laughed. “Maybe so. But it’s the truth, and the press here has much of a flare for the dramatic as they do where you’re from.””I guess so,” I said, taking another sip of my juice. As happy as I was, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of melancholy.
Joram watched me closely as if he could sense what I was feeling. And no matter how much time had separated us, he was my father, so he probably could in some way. “What’s the matter?” he asked gently.