“I lost myself in a daydream,” I say and waggle my eyebrows at her. “Pyrkagia flared.”
“Hmm-mmm,” she mumbles. She doesn't believe me.
I have to strike fast.
I jump over the table, making chairs go flying. Casey shrieks and starts running down the hallway. I chase her, allowing her time to make the bedroom without too much pressure, and then I am on her. I carefully tumble her to the bed, making sure she and the baby are safe.
“About that daydream,” I say as I kiss down the side of her neck.
“About my curtains,” she shoots back.
I silence her with a kiss and then another, and then I make her forget her own name.
Outside the Amazon thrives. So does Aetheros’ people. I can hear my son squealing. I can hear laughter and chatting. I can feel Air breeze and Water trickle. I can scent Earth and am warmed by Fire. And tonight, when the sky is dark, I will be blessed with a thousand stars, twinkling.
Casey moans, I watch as she comes apart beneath my fingers. And then we are joined as one; one heart; one soul; one Thisavros connection. My Oraia makes my body sing. I return the favour.
We lie for long seconds afterwards, in each other’s arms, basking. And then duty calls when Rhea knocks on our home’s front door with Isadora standing beside her.
The life of a King and Queen is never quiet, but we have our moments. We find time to celebrate each other. And we never forget to thank Aetheros for our continued good fortune.
It is late at night when I finish with my Council. I walk down the hallway to Alessandro’s bedroom and hear Casey talking quietly.
“You know,” she says, “Stoicheio are very precious.”
I stand outside the room and listen. Neither of them knows I am here, observing.
“I know, Mummy,” my son says.
“You are special,” Casey adds. “You have more than one.”
“I’m lucky.”
“Yes, you are, darling. But being special means you have to try harder.”
“I do?”
“Yes. Everyone else will look to you, Alessandro. Aetheros is watching.”
“I don't want him to watch me.”
“Why ever not? He’s our god, and he loves us. He loved you so much that he made you special.”
“But why am I special, Mummy?”
“I don't know. I just know you are. And one day, you might be called upon to use your Stoicheio. To lead and protect us, just like Daddy.”
“I will be a good King, Mummy.”
“Yes, you will. But only if you are careful with your Stoicheio.”
There is silence for a moment, and then Alessandro says, “I won't use it in the house again. I promise.”
“That’s my good boy,” his mother croons.
“But can I get Daddy when he steps outside of it?”
Casey laughs. I shake my head.
“The best time, Alex, is when he least expects it. Don’t let him see you coming, OK?”
“OK, Mummy. I’ll get Daddy real good.”
My Thisavros laughs. My son giggles. And I smile to myself and then knock on the door frame. I enter the room, and my family goes silent; equal looks of guilt on their faces.
“What are you still doing awake?” I mock growl.
“Talking,” Casey says a little too quickly.
“Hmm-mmm,” I offer my Thisavros. She grins unrepentantly.
I reach down and kiss her softly, and then gather my son in my arms and hug him to me. We all cuddle together as the stars above our heads shine brightly, and Aeras breezes and Nero trickles and Gi scents sweetly. Pyrkagia swells, but it is inside my heart. It’s all around me.
And I send a prayer up to my god, thanking him.
For life.
For love.
For this.
My family.
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