Chapter 21: Time Away*Ember*I woke up to the chiming of a text message coming in for Keiran asking which brand of baby crib I preferred.I blinked twice, not sure what to say. I had never thought much about it. I sent a question mark in response and waited for his answer. As I waited for Keiran's reply, I couldn't help but think about how my life had changed so drastically in a short amount of time. Keiran's response came in quickly, *Sorry, I know it's early, but I couldn't help but start looking at cribs. I found a few that I like, but I want your input too.*I smiled at his eagerness and replied, *I trust your judgment. Just pick one that's safe and sturdy.*As I lay back in bed, my mind began to wander. I thought about all the things we needed to do to prepare for the baby's arrival. We needed to buy a crib, a changing table, and a dresser. We needed to pick out a theme for the nursery. We needed to stock up on diapers and baby clothes. Moments later a knock
Chapter 22: Distractions *Ember*Every morning I woke up and until I fell asleep at night, I couldn’t stop thinking about the embryo trying to nestle inside me like a seed trying to take root, its presence impossible to ignore. I placed a hand on my belly, anxiety twisting my insides into knots. What if something went wrong with the pregnancy? What if Kieran regretted his decision to have a child with me? My phone buzzed, startling me from my worries. Rowena's name flashed across the screen. I answered immediately, a spike of panic shooting through me. "Rowena, is everything okay?" "Just calling to check in on my favorite surrogacy mama," she said brightly. "How are you feeling?" I exhaled in relief, sinking into the cushions of one of the castle’s window seats where I’d taken up space to read."Nervous. Excited and terrified all at once," I admitted as I gazed out at the castle landscape stretching toward the horizon, sunlight dappling it in shades of emerald and go
*Kieran*It had been a busy day filled with meetings. Thorne and Zephyr had kept me busy while we discussed political standings and tactics preparing our kingdom for any attacks or ambushes. I didn't want to think about outcomes like that, but preparing for the worst was always an important tactful move when ruling a kingdom. Plus, I had more important things to protect now.Ember. She was always on my mind even during these meetings, I swiveled around in my chair thinking about how I needed to continue to keep her safe here in the castle with me. If I was being honest, I was noticing how important her presence was becoming to me. I often thought about her naked body, but her wits were also piquing my curiosity. Ember was an intelligent woman and that was a bonus I had not expected. "You are thinking about her again," Zephyr's voice came from the door. He held a stack of papers and gave me a sly grin after I looked over at him."Who am I thinking about? And when did you get he
*Ember*I sat outside in the gardens on one of the wooden benches sipping a cup of decaffeinated tea. Nola had been pushing me hard with training this morning and I just wanted to enjoy some afternoon solace on my own. I choked on my tea having a flashback to the bathroom last night after we discovered I hadn't hurt Kieran with my hands. In fact, finding out I could touch him with my bare hands was what started the whole wet and sticky situation in the shower. I had nothing to complain about though, Kieran always made sure I orgasmed too. I had heard men weren't always this attentive to their partners, and it was amazing to find that Kieran reciprocated in that department.I shook my head, trying to stop thinking about how amazing it had been last night. I stood and stretched, having enjoyed the sunshine outside. I had been getting into a routine, waking up early, studying with Nola, and practicing some fire magic. The afternoon was the perfect time for me to snuggle in the libr
*Ember*I sat on the floor next to the wastebasket I had vomited in. I had been worried this entire time that Kieran's sperm sample didn't work, and now I felt my body become numb with shock at the possibility that I could be pregnant. Not only pregnant but pregnant with Kieran's baby. I couldn't believe what was happening."Don't go anywhere!" Kieran shouted excitedly, the shock was written all over his face as he pointed at me and ran out of my bathroom. I shook my head. I don't think I was going anywhere, I felt nauseous and dazed. I had never really known anyone who had been pregnant in my life. Was this what it was like to discover being pregnant? I didn't like feeling sick and out of control. I just needed to trust that Kieran knew what he was doing. I rubbed my eyes trying to will the dizziness away. We really should have kept some pregnancy tests in my bathroom. Did they really think I'd be able to make it to the lab to take a test? I heard Kieran come scuffling back
*Ember*I imagined what the cannon would sound like as the boom of it shooting at us echoed in my ears. I had let my imagination run wild with this daydream and I thought I could hear Kieran shouting my name above the loud wind sailing around us. "Ember! Ember! Are you okay?" his voice called. My eyes shot open with surprise and I looked into Kieran's worried gaze.He must have been shaking my shoulders because I realized his hands were placed on either side of me as he sat haphazardly on the window seat. "Ember! You were talking in your sleep, I didn't mean to startle you," he explained, removing his hands off of my shoulders and placing them on his thighs. "I was?" I asked with a surprised tone. Perhaps my daydream was more than that… I must have started dreaming. "Maybe I fell asleep?""I think you did, you are probably tired from everything that happened this morning," Kieran said pointing toward my stomach. "Growing a baby is hard work.""I guess so," I said, feel
*Ember*I felt a warm blush wash all over me as I lay in Kieran’s arms in the great outdoors. I hadn’t really known what it would be like. Even though I’d imagined it countless times, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it all felt. I playfully kissed him on the lips and he wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. "So, we are officially making love," Kieran said, propping his head up on his arm and watching me."Well, yeah," I said, feeling comfortable with him now. "I didn't know it would be this good though.""It's only going to get better," he said, still studying my body. "I need you," he whispered into my ear and I felt his dick get hard again.I smirked, "Is that so?" as I turned towards him and leaned up on my elbow."You bet it is," he said, kissing my chest and placing my hand on his cock. I stroked him with my hand and he growled into my neck. "And I think you need this again," I whispered in his ear.He lifted his head up to mine and grinned with
*Ember*"Kieran," I said, putting my book down while Kieran headed over to me and sat on the end of the lounge chair next to me. I observed him wondering why his shoulders seemed tense and his body was rigid as he sat down. Maybe he didn't sleep well. I couldn't help but reach out to grasp his arm empathizing with him since I too had been struggling to sleep lately."Ember," he said, sucking in a deep breath as my skin touched his. Did he not like it when I touched him? I had only just gotten used to the fact that I could touch him without hurting him. It would be discouraging if he didn't want me to touch him.Interrupting my thoughts, Kieran continued with a question as he looked deep into my eyes, "How are you?""Good. How are you? You don't look too good," I asked looking at him. He looked like he was going to throw up, perhaps he had been pushing himself too much lately.He gritted his teeth and gave me a tense smile. "What are you reading?"I sighed knowing he was ign
*Ember*The day finally came where we were able to welcome our baby into the world. The way I felt about being able to give birth in my new home and kingdom felt truly special. I had come to view the Burning Isles as my home, too. In the days leading up to the baby's birth we had fixed up the castle to it's former glory with everyone's magical touch and expertise. We redecorated with Kieran’s emblem, one that he had newly created to represent us both. We patched up the walls and hung more lights in the halls. The colors had changed, the castle seemed brighter and happier than it had been when we first arrived. The throne room had transformed into different sections to include tables filled with maps, another was filled with plans for beautifying the farmlands with different crops, and the other was contracts with different merchants selling in the castle courtyard. Life was restarting here, and to see Kieran really step into his role as a leader was inspiring. I was so grate
*Kieran*Ember was truly glowing after she returned from the trial near the Tree of Life. I was thrilled to have her back. No… I was elated. I wanted to celebrate the great news that she could continue to stay here in the Burning Isles.I brought her to the master bedroom telling her about how we helped settle the refugees into rooms of their own. Yarin was helping delegate tasks to the refugees, giving them jobs around the castle. I promised all of them ample compensation and shelter here at the castle as long as they desired. If one day they wished to leave, I guaranteed they could leave whenever they'd like. My uncle had forced the servants and mages to stay here at the castle against their will. There would be no more dictatorship here. I wanted the people of the Burning Isles to have full amenity over their lives. Freedom was the most important thing to these people now, and I intended to make sure they had it.I sat on the bed watching Ember explore our bedroom that we w
*Ember*I stared up into Kieran's eyes wrapping my arms around his neck."What do you want me to promise?" I asked looking deep into his eyes."Promise you'll come back in one piece, and stay by my side forever? Help me raise our kid? They'll need to hear all of your awful jokes and puns." Kieran teased booping my nose with his. "Wow," I said, shaking my head at him. "Thanks for the pep talk. I'll be sure to run back so I can get started on that."He smiled at my sarcasm, "No problem," he paused as his smile disappeared. "Seriously though, just come back to me.""I will," I said, pulling him in for a kiss. After saying goodbye I walked away from Kieran and Yarin who were starting to help refugees find rooms, the castle was so large it made sense to share it. I couldn't help but wonder how it would turn out, and I couldn't wait to get back to see it. I found my way outside the castle and found the back stairs that took me down the mountain side. I could see the field bel
*Ember*We were watching the large group of refugees from Yarin's camp congregate into the throne room, eager to help give them a place they can call home. I felt privileged and extremely honored to watch this monumental moment in Kieran's first few days as king of the Burning Isles. He seemed quiet and I looked over at him to observe a small smile curling the corners of his mouth. There was a sparkle in his eye as if he had something on his mind."I have an idea," he said, turning to look at me as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder."Oh?" I asked, raising an eyebrow."We can ask Yarin for help with the spell. She may know of a way to either reverse the spell or tamper with it. She's a very powerful mage, and since we are helping her people she may be willing to help us with this," Kieran said, pulling me close against him. "We could be together, with our child like we are meant to be."He placed a hand over my stomach, brushing slightly with his finger. I swore I could
*Ember*Changing back into her human form, Cassidy looked worse for wear with sweat dripping down her forehead and her makeup smeared. She breathed in heavily, holding her hands up in defeat. With a smirk she said, "You win, little one. Fair and square."I narrowed my eyes at her as I extinguished my flames. "That was not our agreement. You didn't follow through with your vow.""Oh Whatever… you're a fire mage… you were strong enough to maim me. Thanks for those burns by the way. You did well for a human," she whispered before Yarin and Kieran's footsteps came running down the sandpit toward us."You did it, Ember!" Kieran shouted excitedly pulling me away from Cassidy and giving me a big hug. He pulled away from me and looked Cassidy up and down with a judgmental look. "Ember, you defeated her dragon form too.""Yes, great job!" Yarin clapped nearby offering me a kind smile."Ember Haiven, you have won Kieran Dzianis' hand in marriage fair and square in a duel with me,"
*Ember*I fumbled around reaching for his hands, "Kieran, how do you think I felt when I saw you up in the air fighting your uncle?""Point taken, but I am still worried," he said."We are going around in circles with this discussion. For now, let’s get some sleep. If I don't rest, I won't be at my best for tomorrow," I explained."Can't have that," he whispered and we pulled the sheets over us, holding one another close."Kieran?" I asked as our breathing slowed. My eyes were drooping with sleep and exhaustion. "Yeah?" He asked."You did great today. Let's not forget how you just vanquished your most formidable foe. I am proud of you," I said sincerely."Thank you, Ember, you’re right. He's finally gone," Kieran sighed, like it was finally hitting him that it was over. "Good night."I answered back as I kissed him on the cheek before falling asleep, "Good night."The next day I was able to actually take a look around the castle without feeling impending doom. W
*Ember*As my confusion and feelings of hurt deepened, I looked away from Kieran. My heart beat heavily and it felt like I had been betrayed by him. If he’d have told me he was still engaged, I wouldn’t have encouraged our interactions. I felt so hurt and I blinked back tears as I thought over Cassidy's words. She was meant to be queen. Not me. I wasn’t even supposed to be here. I wasn't sure how Kieran would be able to get out of this, especially if he was promised to her before we had met. What did that mean for the future child we shared?Resting a hand on my stomach, I massaged the bump, wishing our baby the best future life had to offer. I felt like the carpet had been pulled out from under me, and everything was at risk, hanging in the balance at this very moment in Yarin's hut. Cassidy's eyes had lit with jealousy earlier when she first met me. She didn't seem to understand that what Kieran and I had was real. It went beyond politics. Or so I had thought. Doubt
*Ember*As our kiss deepened, I cleared my mind of everything that had just happened with Kieran's uncle and fell into a daze of pleasure. I could only think about Kieran as his stubble rubbed against my face, causing me to shiver in delight. I desired him so much. I couldn't help but run my hands down his pecs and his abs. He was a beautiful specimen just like his dragon."Sorry to interrupt," Yarin said, clearing her throat. "But Kieran before you get too comfortable… you should probably deal with your fiance. She'll want to know you are alive and what has happened here."My head spun in shock at Yarin's words. Fiance? I turned from her to look at Kieran who was breaking from our embrace. I now seemed like an afterthought to him as he distractedly broke away from me."She's alive?" he asked with a surprised tone walking over to Yarin."Oh yeah, she's alive all right. I heard a rumor that she is living with her father in their summer abode down by The Sparkling Waves Lake
*Ember*I stood quietly next to Kieran and Yarin as we stood under the cover of the trees. The bridge connecting to the castle stood just across from us as we waited. It was quiet, and ominous dark clouds were scattered over the castle as if warning any people intending to visit to stay away. There were so many good reasons to stay away like possible death or malicious intent. Yet, here we stood.This day was inevitable, and I would never have dreamed that one day I'd actually be able to see the showdown between Kieran and his uncle. I absent-mindedly reached for Kieran's hand, trying to disguise the worry that enveloped my entire being. This was petrifying because I didn't want to lose him. He grasped my hand tightly and turned to look at me."Ready?" he asked, his face stoic. He must have been trying to remain as emotionless as possible."Ready as I'll ever be. How about you? Are you going to be okay, Kieran?" I asked worriedly, brushing a strand of loose hair behind my ear.