A/N: Hello, hello! Thank you so much for your reviews on the previous chapter! Not much longer to go now until the end of this story!
Pre warning. I am finally having my operation on 4th June. After that point, I'm not sure how long it will take for me to get an update out to you as it will be difficult to move around and almost certainly think! However, I am hoping to try and finish this before that point *fingers crossed*
Keep Smiling!
Folding fresh laundry is something that I, strangely, always like to do. It's rather relaxing for me, folding one shirt meticulously before doing the same for another. It needed doing but it also helps to pass the time whilst Lotty is down for her nap. She was very upset before wearing herself out and falling asleep which was worrying as there appeared to be no reason for her cries. I don't want her to be alone if she wakes up crying too.
I finish up folding the last of Rhys' shirts. Quite a few had been washed as I am guilty of wearing them a lot myself as they're comfortable. Not to mention great to cuddle in after certain amorous activities…
A strange sound captures my attention and I stop all movements to try and determine what the sound is, where it is coming from. It's familiar and yet I can't put my finger on it. But, a moment later I realise it is coming from Lotty's room.
I move over to the adjoining door and walk through quicker than I intended. Anything could be going on. I first notice her cloth rabbit laying on the floor by the door. She must have thrown it – but, that is quite a way for her to throw something. The strange sound has grown louder in the room and I look up.
Shock momentarily roots me to the spot. My beautiful little girl is currently hovering above her cot, wings unsteadily flapping behind her. She's got wings. She's flying.
I rush over to her, bringing her into my arms and close to my chest at the sight of her moving even higher and shakily trying to do something. The last thing I want is to watch her injure herself. My little star giggles at me, her hands reaching up to pat away at my cheeks.
"Az!" I call out. "Can you get in here please?" I turn my attention back to my daughter. "What have you been up to, my star? Hmmm? Have you been watching daddy?"
"What's wrong?" Az asks, rushing through the door. Something I have found with Az is that anything to do with Lotty, he is there like a shot. He stops short when he notices the delicate wings protruding from her back. "Are those what I think they are?"
I laugh at his words before nodding. I explain how she had been upset before going down for her nap and how I discovered her floating above her cot.
Pride beams from Azriel's face and he comes forward, taking Lotty from my arms.
He cuddles her close, kissing her cheeks noisily. Her squeals of laughter are complete music. "Uncle Azzy is so proud of you, my little Lotty!"
"Zeeie!" she shouts, smiling brightly. Slowly, as her vocabulary grows, she has been saying everyone's names in her own adorable way. We have tried to adapt her current name for Cass as calling him 'assy' every time is hilarious but also not necessarily the best thing for a ten-month old to say.
I run my fingertips down her back, in between her wings. Within a moment, they've disappeared, and her back is wing-free again.
"She is definitely her father's daughter." I say, voice soft.
"Indeed, she is." Az says, cuddling Lotty even closer. Content, she snuggles up to him. "Your Uncle Azzy is so incredibly proud of you, little Lotty. I shall not steer you wrong. By the time I am done with you, you shall be the best flier in Velaris!"
He cheers and she joins in, reaching up to pat his cheeks and babble at him. Knowing my little girl will one day be able to fly around with us is one of the most wonderful things ever.
Oh, bloody hell. She and Rhys are going to be inseparable.
End note: Please review! :)