"Ah… Look at the beautiful daughter of my beautiful cousin," Kirsch declared dramatically. "Those amethyst eyes, the purest silver of her hair… Even the name is the epitome of beauty. Aimée Silva, as it should be. Oh my, I know no one can surpass my own beauty, but this pearl here is already coming wonderfully close. And she is just a baby! Oh, this is the proof that little Aimée is going to be a beauty."
Noelle rolled her eyes. What had she done in some previous life to endure that blinky cousin of hers? Was that his way to fuss over Aimée? Noelle knew that the Vermillion side of her family were rather overjoyed, but at least Mimosa and Océane had been normally fussing over Aimée. Not like Kirsch who needed to point on Aimées beauty in every sentence for some reason.
Well, at least he wasn't wrong on that. Noelle looked at her niece in her arms and despite her annoyance towards her cousin, she couldn't help but smile. Aimée was indeed pretty. Right now, she was looking at Kirsch with a glance that was very alike like her brothers. Nozels glance with Vanessas eye colour, that was something to see.
"Not that I'm surprised about this, Nozel is after all one of the few I can't deny the beauty, " Kirsch continued. "And he even choose one of the most beautiful women in this kingdom as his significant other. Their children are going to have beauty in their genes, like Aimée they're going to be beautiful even before their birth."
"Ge?"
Noelle had no idea what Aimée wanted to say with that sound. But she assumed that her niece was wondering what Kirsch was talking about and so, she decided to agree with her.
Noelle looked over at Nebra, who was still talking into a communication device. She really hoped that her older sister would soon stop talking to whoever she was calling right now. It would be much easier to endure Kirsch when they were two. Three with Aimée.
Nebra was frowning and Noelle couldn't help but worry. The infamous ball of House Vitrail had been difficult for her, even though she only made an appearance for not even an hour. But between avoiding their father, ignoring the desperate marriage proposals and standing strong against all discussion involving Nozels scandal, be it subtle or not subtle, Noelle guessed that it had felt longer for her sister.
Finally, Nebra put down her device and let out a heavy sigh. She looked so down.
Noelle asked with compassion, "Difficult talk?"
"Of course. But not only one. Three and the last one was really a pain."
"A pain?"
"Yes. Oh, it's not the Wizards Kings fault, not really. But does he need to call me while interrogating another of those bastard criminals who couldn't stop screaming and cursing in the background? I could hear the insults and threats crystal clear. What he planned to do with us royals once he got his hands on Aimée are really appealing. It's better that I don't give you the details."
Certainly, Noelle didn't want to know it. She had her dose of crappy insults the last time she arrested one of those criminals. Well, in the end that girl had only pretended to be a bastard to "justify" her crimes, but the words that had come out of her mouth even made captain Yami blush.
"What were the other talks?"
"One with Fuegoleon. It looks like we have a mission with him the day after tomorrow."
Noelle frowned. "The two of us? With him? Three royals of three different squads? That's somehow unusual."
"Yeah, he didn't told me much," Nebra replied with a flick of her hand. "All I know that our presence had been requested by lady Corazòn, a member of house Lys."
Noelle flinched a bit, which made Aimée protest in her arms. House Lys… As far as she remembered – and she wasn't much of an expert like her older sister – that house was from high nobility, with big influences and some were members of the anti-bastard coalition. In other words, they had people who were basically fighting against Nozels and Vanessas happiness, in a way. Not as much as other noble houses, like house Vitrail for example. But still.
That didn't sound like good news.
"I don't think you have something to fear, my beautiful cousins," Kirsch said. "Lady Corazòn is certainly one of the nicest Lys I know. We had a lot of interesting discussions, so I can say for sure that she's not driven by the same arrogance as other noble ladies of her age. As far as I know, she remained silent during the whole unappealing mess we're in right now, but it's fair to assume that she doesn't have any of those anti-bastard mantra."
"Which isn't the case of her Head of House, sadly," Nebra muttered. But Kirsch just shrugged.
"Well, my beautiful point stands still. I don't think you will hear anything insulting and ugly from lady Corazòn."
"Let's hope you're right," Noelle whispered, looking at Aimée who was pulling at one of her twin tails. She didn't think that she could bear hearing anything insulting and untrue involving Nozel and Vanessa or even bastards in general.
"The other call was with one of your squadmate, Noelle," Nebra continued and this time, she didn't looked pissed, but was trying to do so. Strange.
"Oh, which one?"
"Well… um… Zora Ideale."
Noelle frowned a bit. First, her sister, didn't say peasant, but Zoras full name. Second, she hesitated a bit before admitting it. And third, most importantly, she almost smiled when she said Zoras name.
"He, well, he just wanted to know if I was okay… after the ball of house Vitrail. He was… the one… who helped me flee after I couldn't take it anymore. His concerns were rude, but… well, I guess this is how he is."
"Yes, he's rude but caring," Noelle answered. That was all she decided to say out loud, even though she wanted to ask her sister thousands of other questions. Did she know Zora better than she would admit it? Why was she blushing and almost smiling when she talked about him? Why did Zora helped her flee the ball?
Oh, dear Heavens! Don't tell me that there's something going on between Zora and Nebra! But how? And since when?
Okay, first Noelle fell for a peasant and one with no magic at that. Then Nozel surprised everyone by openly love a witch, even having a child with her. And now, Nebra herself was most probably having something of romantic nature with another peasant, who did have a vendetta against nobles and royals once in his past.
And at which point will Solid finally come back home with an inn servant or a street thief or a circus artist from a foreign country?
"Zora Ideale?" Kirsch asked. "Oh, my beautiful older cousin, he is a scoundrel but a great help in many things, I must say. Not one of the most beautiful people in the kingdom, but even I have to admit that the blue of his eyes is real catcher."
"And his jawline," Nebra muttered, but only Noelle heard it. Given how her sister was now looking away, probably to hide her red face, it was most probable that there was definitely something going on between her and Zora.
Noelle decided to change the subject quickly, "So, who was present at that ball? Most of the Vitrails, I presume."
"All of them. And they're one of the noble Houses with the most headcounts in the kingdom. I bet almost half of the ball guests were Vitrails or at least their nearest relatives."
"What a shame that I missed it, balls are such reunions of the most beautiful of the kingdom," Kirsch sighed dramatically, before surprisingly getting serious. "But given the situation, it is certainly better to involve too much with people who are mostly against Nozels beautiful happiness. Let's hope my beautiful grandfather would not try to engage anyone of us to one of those people."
"No offense, Kirsch, but I don't think that beautiful is a word that would in any way fit Achilles Vermillion," Noelle muttered. She never liked the Head of House Vermillion, but since she and Nebra eavesdropped a discussion between him and Nozel, where he was really rude towards their older brother and really insulting towards Vanessa without knowing her, she put that man on her black list.
Noelle was protective of the persons she cared about, which includes the Black Bulls and her siblings. If only Fuegoleon could finally replace his grandfather as Head of House Vermillion.
"Sadly, my grandfather is lacking so much inner beauty, otherwise he would be even more beautiful. After all, inner beauty can make even someone ugly more handsome. But well, this is the life. Speaking of beauty, was lady Athénaïs Vitrail present too at the ball, my beautiful older cousin?"
"Athénaïs Vitrail?" Noelle asked, frowning a bit, while rocking a babbling Aimée. The name wasn't unfamiliar, but she didn't involve in those noble circles very often, so she couldn't put a face on it.
"The eldest daughter of the current Head of house Vitrail, lord Verre Vitrail," Nebra answered.
She sat down, probably to give Noelle a proper portrait and explanation of this person, like she often did since their bond was better, but Kirsch came first. "Ah, lady Athénaïs. A true beauty indeed, one of the most gorgeous women in the kingdom. Golden locks falling like a waterfall over her porcelain shoulders, eyes in a breathetaking royal blue, a skin like porcelain or rose petals in milk. Honestly the perfect body for a woman and her profile… Let's not forget that from all Vitrails, and all glass magic users in general, she has the most beautiful glass magic in the whole kingdom. And she is intelligent."
"And she is also one of the most arrogant ladies within nobility, has little thoughts about commoners and peasants, has high standards for a spouse, considers herself the best on many domains and Athénaïs can't stand people who don't know their places. Or what she considers their places," Nebra interrupted him with a heavy sigh, running a hand down her face. "Well, she is basically like I was not too long ago, but worse."
"Don't be so harsh, my dearest and beautiful older cousin. But it is true, lady Athénaïs is not the nicest one under her surface. Which is sad, such a waste on beauty and intelligence."
Noelle rolled her eyes. Honestly, Kirsch's flowery description wasn't necessary.
"Nebra, you said that she has high standards for a spouse. Well… does she have, maybe, marital interests on… Nozel?"
"Exactly. Athénaïs has such high standards, that only royalty would be a proper match for her, in her eyes. And of course, not any royal. From what I learn from noble circles, she wants the most handsome, powerful, rich, blessed by mana and yada, yada, royal that is there. And no one who is younger than her. You can imagine that Solid and Leopold and Kirsch-"
"What an insult to my beautiful self!"
"don't reach her standards. Most Vermillions actually aren't to her liking and the same applies for the Kiras. Maybe Damnatio would fit, but I don't know about the others. Well, she would of course only consider a handful of royals as potential partners. Fuegoleon surely. But on the contrary of Nozel, he isn't Head of House yet."
Nebras glance said a lot and Noelle could perfectly imagine what that last sentence implied. Nozel was after all Head of a royal house, as well as a captain of a royal knight squad. He had powerful magic and a rare one that made him able to be a teammate to himself, his power level was high and he had such a precise control of his mercury. Until recently, Nozel was considered the perfect royal and he was considered one of the most handsome men in the kingdom. No wonder that Athénaïs Vitrail wanted her clutches on him.
"She hasn't abandoned to get him, right?"
Nebra shook her head. "Sadly not. Oh, it's an open secret, it was never directly said. At least to me, of course. But I'm not dumb. And the majority of nobility wouldn't be against it, on the contrary. Athénaïs has the reputation to be a perfect match for a royal, especially for a young Head of House. Especially for Nozel… And it doesn't help that house Vitrail also has the reputation to have married many, many times into the three royal houses over the centuries. So, it's fair to assume that a lot of nobles consider that bitch-"
"Nebra, my gorgeous cousin, what an unsightly choice of words! Even though it's not wrong…"
"as the future heroine that would save the royal house of Silva from this bewitched scandal. I don't need to explain to you that not only would this be a humiliation for Nozel and for all us, including the Black Bulls and the Silver Eagles, but separating Nozel from Vanessa and take Aimée away from her parents. One of those worst case scenarios we have to fight against these days."
"And we will win this fight, I'm sure of it," Noelle said determined. Looking at her niece, who was still babbling in her arms, she promised herself again to fight against the unfairness towards bastards and even more so to help Nozel and Vanessa in their own battle.
She wanted them to be happy together, to raise their child together. She wanted to see Aimée grow and becoming a wonderful person. Noelle was sure her niece would become wonderful. After all, Nozel and Vanessa were her parents.
Also, Noelle hoped that once this was all over, it would also gave Asta and her a chance. But that was a bit too far-fetched. Not because the situation of her brother and her squadmate, that too. But also because… she only managed to admit to herself that she loved Asta and if it took her this LONG to admit it only to herself, how long would it take to admit it out loud to, well, anyone?
Well, Noelle, your feelings aren't the priority right now. You have to help Vanessa and Nozel to win their war, focus on your love for that idiot later.
Why was Aimée looking at her with an annoyed look? It was so much like Nozels glance already, with a glimpse of Vanessas teasy eyes.
Noelle wondered if her niece would end up being a perfect mix of her parents.
"Did you talk to her at the ball?"
"Who? Ah, you mean Athénaïs. No, I didn't. Her parents have tried, though. Probably to convince me to persuade Nozel to marry their daughter. Lord Verre and lady Cristal seemed rather desperate, if you ask me. But Athénaïs, well, she didn't talk, but she was watching me. I think… well, it felt like she was judging me. Maybe she knows that I'm not against Nozel being with a witch. She is not dumb, after all."
Well, since lady Athénaïs isn't dumb, maybe she also found out that you're romantically involved with a peasant. And since apparently, she's still determined to become Nozels wife, maybe she would also try to separate Zora and you, in order that no peasant would become her brother-in-law. And since she's intelligent, maybe she somehow also knows about Asta and myself. Well, we're not together and I still didn't told him how I feel, but that's a detail! And what does she plan to do with Vanessa and Aimée? Put my niece into the most cruel and horrible orphanage that is and make Vanessa leave the Magic Knights, maybe even put her back into the Witches Forest and banish her from the Clover Kingdom?
Okay, now Noelle was clearly overthinking. But she learned during this whole situation that no threat should be taken too lightly, no matter how unlikely they're about to happen. Like those bastards turned criminals.
"But I did talked a bit with her younger sister," Nebra continued, unaware of course about what her own younger sister just had overthought.
"What? Lady Rosette was present too?" Kirsch asked in a tone of absolute disbelieve, which made Noelle frown.
"Why is it so surprising that lady Rosette was present? I mean, if she's Athénaïs' younger sister and in that case, the second daughter of the Head of house Vitrail, it should be pretty normal that she's present, right?"
"Oh, my dear beautiful younger cousin, let me explain this to you! Those are mostly rumours and I only saw her twice, but lady Rosette Vitrail is known to not be the healthiest. She doesn't come often to noble circles and honestly it's no wonder, with how frail and thin she looks, not to mention that she only speaks softly. Poor lady Rosette is also so pale compared to her older sister. Her hair is too straight, so blonde that it's almost white, her eyes are big and pale too, a very bright grey. Her skin is pale too, not like porcelain but more ghostly, I would say. Oh, I wouldn't that she's ugly, not at all, she is still a bit of a beauty. But not much and compared to her sister, well…"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever our beauty-obsessed cousin said," Nebra said with annoyance. "Well, I talked to her. Not much and not for long, it was only about spooky novels. She seems to like them too. I must say, she is surely one of the nicest Vitrails I met. And nice Vitrails are a rarity, especially these days. Talking a bit with Rosette was probably the only good thing I had this ball. Well, whatever… can I hold Aimée now, please? I think it's my turn."
Noelle giggled. Oh, she wanted to hold her niece a bit longer, but it was true that since Nozel and Vanessa went on a walk and probably for some, um, alone time, she had hold Aimée for most of the time. Well, Nebra had been talking in her communication device instead, but she was Aimées aunt too and Noelle couldn't hold their niece during her entire shift. Even though she would love too, of course.
"Now, how about you go a bit with auntie Nebra?"
Noelle smiled fondly as she watched her sister taking Aimée in her arms, a happy grin on her face. Being an aunt really did Nebra good. And herself as well.
"Well, when will your beautiful brother and his gorgeous significant other finally bless us with their presence again? Their beautiful daughter isn't the only one we have to watch over."
"Give them some time, Kirsch. They deserve some quality time, after all."
"For my part, I hope Nozel and Vanessa will stay occupied for a bit longer. I just get to hold Aimée."
Nebra just finished her sentence as Nozel and Vanessa entered the cottage. Both had red cheeks and there was a glimmer of happiness in their eyes. A proof of what they had done during their walk…
Noelle quickly looked away, flustered and trying to not blush too much. For her, it was still embarrassing to think that her older brother and her squadmate, one of her best friends none the less, were… well… sleeping together. But it would be stupid to deny it too. After all, Aimée wouldn't be here otherwise.
She heard Nebra muttering "Just my luck" before actually giving Aimée into Nozels arms.
Trying to forget her stupid embarrassment, Noelle watched her older brother rocking his daughter softly. A fond smile appeared on her lips. Nozel as a father was sight she never thought she would see one day, but she loved it so much.
Nozel was so openly embracing his fatherhood. Noelle remembered how most of the Black Bulls – herself included, but she won't admit it – were rather unsure with holding a baby for the first time, while her brother actually never hesitated one second, to anyone's surprise, except for Vanessa.
She even witnessed Nozel change Aimées windles once and that was actually a shock. Even more that he never shown any sign that he was ashamed of this task. Captain Yami actually made fun of him, until Nozel asked him calmly if he would do it. Noelle grinned at the memory, especially since Yami take just a look at all the windle material and decided immediately to be lost at it, claiming it was future Yamis problem.
"Well, did she behave?" Vanessa asked while embracing Nozel from behind, looking at her daughter with a proud, happy smile.
"Of course! Your beautiful daughter is already so well behaved, it is a gorgeous joy to watch over her! And if I may add-"
"Kirsch, we already know that Aimée is the most beautiful baby you ever saw, we don't need that speech a fifth time," Nebra protested, making Noelle laugh.
It was actually nice, together as siblings, with new additions to their family.
For a moment, Noelle saw Solid with them instead of Kirsch and a sting of sadness pierced her heart a bit.
Where was their lost brother today?
Noelle watched as Solids water eagle disappeared over the horizon. Distancing himself from the rest of them and she had no idea how long he would be out of their lives. Maybe it was better for all of them, but she hated the idea of Solid being away from them forever.
Her own relationship with Nozel was now more than good, especially after Spade. It was also getting better with Nebra. Noelle had hoped that she could also improve her bond with Solid soon.
But that won't be possible, now that it was away. Who knows he will come back? Who knows when not only her would finally make peace with him, but also Nozel and Nebra? Especially Nozel…
Noelle had no idea that it would escalate this quickly. That it would escalate at all, honestly. Maybe it hadn't been a good idea at all. But Nebra and Solid deserved to know as well, about Nozels situation, about him and Vanessa, about him going to be a father. It was only fair. Aunt Océane knew, Noelle knew, why not the other two siblings?
Nebra took it well, way better than expected. Oh, she wasn't overjoyed about it, of course, but she was surprisingly not against it.
But Solid… somehow, he took it worse than expected. Actually, he took it so badly that Nozel and him had a terrible fight and that he actually asked the Wizard King to give him long missions that would him lead him away from the capital.
It was his choice to distance himself and while it was maybe true that he needed some time alone to probably find himself, like aunt Océane said, it still made Noelle sad. She was just having better relationships with her other siblings and she wanted to be on better terms with Solid too.
Noelle was also a bit angry at him, for being so against Nozels happiness. Yes, their brother was with a witch, a Black Bull and she was the mother of his child. Noelle hated when her squadmates were insulted, she also hated when her siblings were insulted. It was worse when two were insulted at the same time and by another one of her siblings none the less.
So yes, Noelle was also angry. But it was sadness that was the strongest emotion right now.
Nebra entered the parlor. She had been the one to say goodbye to Solid in the courtyard. But giving her upset look, it didn't go well.
Of course it didn't.
"Did you fight?"
"Not really. He was very distant, all we did was just some small-talk. I asked him to write us from time to time. I even said please! But he just said that he'll see."
Noelle wanted to say something when Nozel entered the parlor behind. He didn't say anything, his face was almost unreadable… But his eyes. Never did she saw his glance with this much sadness.
Neither did Nebra, apparently. She was fumbling her fingers and Noelle had learned that this would mean that her sister has no idea what to say.
Noelle herself had no words of comfort to say to her siblings and she hated that.
She heard Nozel sigh, before he actually took both of his sisters in a tight hug. Noelle craved for the embrace, she really needed that. All three of them needed that.
So here they were, in this parlor, hugging, finding comfort with each other.
Three siblings… who should have been four.
As Nozel woke up, it was raining. Again. He didn't complain, though. At this point, he was used to it. And rain wasn't a problem compared to the whole situation.
Nozel turned his head to look at Vanessa and Aimée. Both were still asleep and were looking so beautiful like that.
Aimée was between them. It was the first them that they let her sleep with them and if Nozel was honest, he would love to have those kind of nights more often. The three of them, just sleeping… One of many little things of their little family that he refused to miss.
Nozel wanted to go back to sleep. It was surely very early and he wouldn't go to the capital today. All he wanted was lie here, with his lover and his daughter, forget about his status and their unsettling situation, just being a boyfriend and a father.
But just as he was about to close his eyes again, his communication device vibrated. Nozel sighed. Who called him this early in the morning? Granted, he used to start work very early. But this was so long ago, he had other priorities now next to be captain of the Silver Eagles.
He was tempted to ignore the call, but Nozel knew that this won't be the best idea. He wanted to get Vanessa and Aimée out of this uncertain situation as soon as he could and he needed everything detail, as insignificant as it might be, in hope to find a solution.
Which was of course easier said than done.
As he took his device, he heard a babbling sound next to him. Aimée was now awake, looking at him with those beautiful big eyes of hers. Nozel smiled putting a finger on his lips. Aimée immediately tried to imitate him, without much success.
She was really adorable. How did he deserved such a sweet daughter?
He stood up and went to the opposite side of the bedroom, in order to not wake Vanessa.
"Nozel Silva… Fuegoleon, why are you calling me this early? … No, I can't talk loudly, Vanessa is still asleep. … I hope it's really important, I was just trying to go back to sleep. … I know that I never slept in in the past, but you know why I would do this today. … Believe what you want. So, could you please tell me why called me first thing in the morning?"
As he listened to his rival, Nozel frowned and he couldn't help to feel a bit a bit unease. If what Fuegoleon told him happened to be true – which he hoped it wasn't – it would be some bad news for him and Vanessa, for Aimée as well. Not to mention for any bastards in general. Couldn't the coalition just forget about them once in a while?
"Alright… I'll tell my squad to watch out. … You already told my vice-captain? I can still handle my squad alone, you know. … No, I won't go to the capital today. … I'd rather stay here. … Thank you. … Goodbye."
Nozel put his communication device on a chair nearby and let out a heavy sigh. Why was there always a new problem appearing just when started to get used to last one that came on his plate?
"Honey?"
He turned. Vanessa was now awake, sitting on their bed, Aimée babbling in her arms.
"I'm sorry. Did I wake you up."
"No, it was Aimée. She wanted to play somehow with my face. Who was it?"
"Fuegoleon. He had some news to communicate me. Not good ones, sadly."
Nozel sat back on the bed and started caressing Aimée softly on the head. It was somehow to win some time or rather postponing to tell the truth. Which was stupid. Vanessa deserved to know. But it was not easy to say out loud.
"It's just rumours for now… but…"
"But still nothing we should took lightly, I guess. Please, continue, Honey."
"Well… It seems that some people in the coalition want to hire bandits, pay them to pretend to be bastards and do some crimes. It isn't know what their main goal could be with this strategy, but… I suspect they want somehow to come at us. And Aimée…"
He saw Vanessa hold their daughter slightly tighter against her. Of course she did. If he was the one holding Aimée, he would have done the same in this very moment. Protecting their little girl was one of their first priorities, after all.
"Just rumours… So, is there a possibility that it isn't true?"
Nozel could hear the slight desperation in her voice. He hated to see Vanessa like this. His lively, joyful Vanessa… She didn't deserved any of this.
"It is what I hope, Vanessa. Much more than you imagine. But I'm worried as well. We can't allow anyone to take Aimée away from us."
"You're right. We can't allow it. After all, this is why decided to take this cottage as our hiding spot."
And now she sounded tired, almost resigned. Guilt pierced through Nozels heart.
Vanessa wasn't made to stay here, in this cottage. She was made to be out there, free and happy. Yes, this cottage was to protect her and their daughter, somehow a sanctuary. But right now, it didn't change that was kinda a cage. A bit like the cage he put Noelle in, to protect her. But he hurt his sister and now he was basically doing the same towards Vanessa. And Aimée… his little girl. She didn't deserve to be here, growing up away from everything, only knowing uncertainty. With a mother who is basically a prisoner and father who is not here every day, dealing with the consequences of his selfish actions.
This wasn't what he wanted for his family.
Vanessa didn't deserved any of this.
Aimée didn't deserved any of this.
It was his fault.
Nozel looked away, trying to hold back his tears. Which would be unnecessary once Vanessa would notice.
"Honey, why are you crying?"
He gave up, letting the tears stream down. He looked at Vanessa, at her worried glance, at the compassion in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry… both of you… you don't deserve… to be here, as prisoners. I'm so sorry… I-"
"Stop it right there, honey."
She brought his head on her shoulder. He didn't want to back away. He starved too much for her touch, her presence, her entire being.
"None of this is your fault, Nozel. You do the best you can and even more. Besides, that cottage was my idea, remember? It was my decision. It's not a cage, but a sanctuary. We did this together, for our child."
She pecked the crown of his head, before continuing, "Again, it isn't your fault. Nothing of our situation is your fault. It's your father, the nobles of the coalition, the bastards turned criminals… Many persons and many things forced into this, all we did was trying to do the best of it. It's not your fault and I will repeat this until it gets into your stubborn Silva head."
Nozel only nodded. Vanessa was right, of course she was. He just couldn't help but feel guilty.
"Let it out, my little eagle. You'll feel better afterwards."
So, he cried silently. He didn't know for how long, but Vanessa was right. He really felt better afterwards. Still sad, but not really guilty anymore.
She kissed his cheek. "We're taking care of each other, you see? Comforting when the other is feeling down. You also did this with me not so long ago. You remember?"
"Yes… I do."
"Like I told you, we do the best with what is given of our situation."
Vanessa smiled, before putting her lips on his. Nozel gave in to the kiss, savouring her sweet taste. It was difficult to continue to feel bad when they were like that.
It started out softly, but slowly get a bit more heated. But they hold back, Vanessa was still holding their baby, after all.
"Aimée doesn't seem to hate when we kiss, it seems," Vanessa smirked as they parted, but still leaning on each other. "I thought that children would be embarrassed or hate it when their parents kiss in front of them."
"I can't tell," Nozel replied, looking down at Aimée. "Maybe it's because she's still too small to understand. Or maybe she's an exception, who knows?"
Aimée just babbled, pulling on Vanessas hair and smiling. In a way, Nozel envied her a bit. To be this innocent, having no idea of the hardships of life… she was lucky. But she will grow and learn those things step by step. Still, she was lucky, because she had parents who loved her, who would protect and guide her on her path.
After a while silently watching their daughter, Vanessa asked softly, "About those rumours… which nobles would most probably do something like that?"
"My father surely and lord Guise, they're good friends, if you can call them that. And a lot people of house Vitrail as well…"
Right now, Nozel hated thinking about this noble family and one member in particular.
"House Vitrail?"
"They're from high nobility and with a lot of influence. Also one of the noble families with the most members in the kingdom. Lastly, the have an immense reputation, because the had a lot of members who married into royalty over the centuries. Kiras, Vermillions…"
"And Silvas too, I guess."
"Yes. I think one of my great-great-aunts was once married to a Vitrail. But those Silva branches died out… like any other Silva branches."
Nozel sighed, before he continued, "They still have members who are considered perfect matches for royals today."
"Is there also… well, one considered a perfect match… for a young… Head of House?"
Sadly, there was. And unlucky as Nozel was, Athénaïs Vitrail wasn't going to give um that easily to one day become his wife. But he would never. His heart will always belong to Vanessa and Athénaïs could never hold even a tiny candle to the mother of his child.
He had tried to not think about this despicable lady
"You don't have to be jealous, Vanessa. She means nothing to me. And even before you, I would have never considered her an option. Athénaïs Vitrail is way too arrogant and self-centred. All the contrary of you… Vanessa, you're the only one for me. After everything we went through, there is no way I would abandon you and Aimée. Besides, she would never be an amazing mother like you are."
"I'm not jealous. I just… I hate when those nobles consider you as nothing else but a price to catch. A tool to use for their own agenda. And that Athénaïs lady, she's probably not that different."
"No, she isn't. She was on occasion also bold enough to write me a marriage proposal herself. But sadly, Athénaïs Vitrail is also intelligent. She probably knows that I would never marry her out of love. All she wants is become royalty, because she believes it's her Fate."
"Fate… I know more about Fate than that bitch! Oh, sorry Aimée, don't listen to mommy with her bad words."
"Ga."
Aimée smiled, pulling again Vanessas hair and reaching one of Nozels fingers to suck it. Her father smiled. Now he was definitely feeling better.
He leaned over to Vanessa and whispered in her ear, "Besides… when it comes to beauty, she can't hold a candle to you."
"Glad to hear it. But honey, you're in love with me, so you might be a bit biased with that statement."
"I was talking about inner beauty, my dearest."
Vanessa blushed and Nozel felt his own cheeks getting red as well. He wasn't often flirty and he didn't always called Vanessa by one of those love nicknames. He just felt like it right now. And despite being all flustered, there was no way he would take it back. After all, it felt like he fell in love with her all over again.
"Let's go back to sleep. We could sleep in this morning and I have no intention to go the royal capital today."
"I love this idea, honey."
So they lied back on the bed, Aimée between them, somehow already falling back asleep. Nozel leaned over to give Vanessa a soft kiss on the lips.
"I love you. And I refuse to give up on both of you."
"I know that already, Nozel. And I love you too."