Hello. Third chapter is also here. I hope you liked chapters 1 and 2. This one is also entirely original (I mean the story, not characters nor place). The song reccomend for this chapter is "Beautiful Boy(Darling Boy" by John Lennon. Enjoy.

Chapter 3: The Arrival of Joy

The next morning, I woke up feeling a bit dizzy. Cardan had already left the bed, and as I wondered about his whereabouts, I heard noise from the bathroom. Peeking through the slightly ajar door, I spotted Cardan in front of the mirror, attempting to put on eyeliner while singing a familiar tune. Ah, yes, it was "Hey Jude" by that mortal band, The Beatles. Vivi and Oak must have been his tutors in all things mortal. Just as I turned to leave, Cardan caught sight of me during the lyrics, "Na-na-na-na, hey Jude!" and greeted me with a wide smile. His attempt at eyeliner was somewhat smudged, so I entered the bathroom to help him.

I gestured for him to sit on the bed, and I joined him, skillfully applying the eyeliner while he curbed his fidgeting.

"Stop fidgeting, Cardan!" I scolded, and he immediately complied. I cherished how he listened to me. When I finished, he stood up, went to the bathroom to inspect himself, and nodded in satisfaction.

"We'll make this a morning ritual, okay?" he suggested softly. I nodded. How could I ever say no?

As we descended the stairs for breakfast, dizziness struck me again. I had to pause and catch my breath. Cardan, freezing in concern, rushed towards me with an expression of worry I seldom witnessed. Assuring him I was fine, he attributed it to hunger and assisted me to the dining room.

Just as I took a bite of my sunny-side-up (another mortal world import that the chefs seemed to love), a messenger arrived, bearing an urgent note addressed to The High Queen. Cardan, urging me to get accustomed to the title, handed me the envelope with just one name inscribed: Vivi.

Intrigued by the urgency, I swiftly opened the letter with a nearby knife. Vivi's plea for immediate assistance unfolded:

"Dearest Jude, you must come here at once. Taryn is in labor, and we need help. Bring Cardan if you can. Love, Vivi"

I felt a jolt. Hastening to my room to prepare, I left a bewildered Cardan at the table, returning to hand him the letter before rushing to our chambers. Moments later, Cardan burst in, declaring, "I'm going with you. End of story. Bring everything you need. I've arranged horses; they'll be ready in minutes."

His confident demeanor made me wonder—would he be like this when our child entered the world? I chided myself for such thoughts but couldn't shake the notion. Lost in contemplation, I heard Cardan call my name.

"You ready?" he asked. I nodded, and we were soon on our way to Vivi's apartment.

Upon arrival, the scene unfolded: Taryn on her bed, Vivi and Heather by her side. Taryn, in the throes of a contraction, greeted us with relief.

"Thank goodness you came! And bringing Cardan—perfect! I have no idea how faerie babies arrive. Cardan, any insights?"

"Not as far as I know. I think it's similar to giving birth to a mortal child," he replied.

"Is there anything we can do to help, Vivi?" I inquired.

Vivi responded, "You can fetch some fresh towels and hot water. Heather and I will deliver this child."

After an hour, the baby was born.

"I present to you: Leo Locke Duarte. My son," Taryn announced proudly.

Little Leo, with his father's hair and his mother's looks, was the epitome of cuteness.

"You decided to name him after Locke?" I asked.

"I think it's the least I can do for him. Locke will never meet Leo, nor will Leo meet Locke," Taryn explained.

"By the way, I'm utterly exhausted. Cardan, would you mind babysitting Leo for a while?" Taryn asked, winking at me.

Cardan nodded, picking up Leo from Taryn's sleepy arms. He looked enchanted, settling on a couch with the baby.

"I'd like to have one of these someday," Cardan said, sounding unsure, careful, as if gauging my readiness.

"Me too. Someday," I replied, smiling. Cardan visibly relaxed, and that day became one of the best in my life. We fell asleep on the couch, Leo in Cardan's arms and Cardan's head resting on my shoulder. I couldn't wait for the day when we'd have our child and experience this joy every day.

Hi. I hope you liked this chapter too. I wanted the child to be born so bad, so I wrote about it. I am not sure when will the next chapter come out 'cause I do not have any ideas for new chapters, so it might take a while. Review please.

Love,

Athena