Their Adorable Astrologist
After their usual family lunch, Aether and Mona finished wiping up the mess their daughter, Asteri, made because of how energetic and unpredictable she was with her astrologist talents.
"Asteri, it's time for your nap," Mona called as she and Aether made their way to their daughter, who was reading a child's book on astrology.
"Aw, already?" Asteri asked, pouting, "But I'm just getting to the good part."
"Mother's orders, young lady," Aether said, picking Asteri up while his wife put the book back on the shelf, "We can read it together after your nap, okay?"
"Aether, could you tuck her in?" Mona asked.
"Of course, Master." Aether patted Asteri's dark purple hair to pull her out of her pout. "Come on, it's nap time."
"Okay..." Asteri muttered. With her view of her mother at the table moving higher, the young girl asked a question that always struck her odd, "Dad, why do you call Mommy 'Master'?"
Aether's eyes widened at the question. "Oh. Uh. Umm." He looked to his wife for help, feeling his cheeks heat up.
Mona suppressed her desire to giggle at the awkward face her husband made. Instead, she answered her daughter's question for him, "It's a long story, right, honey?"
"Y-Yes! Very mysterious and scary!" Aether regained his composure and made a mischievous grin, "It's likely the doing of evil spirits of the mystic arts!"
Asteri squealed in delight as Aether playfully spooked her again and again. Mona couldn't help smiling, even if this silliness would probably keep Asteri awake.
"Mommy, help!" Asteri shouted, laughing joyfully.
Mona's heart melted at the sounds of her jubilant giggles. Despite her concerns, she'd joined the fun and gently tickled her daughter's feet through thick socks. Throughout the chaos, the family of three completely forgot about the nap. Aether and Mona paused to let Asteri catch her breath. Clinging to her blond father's chest, Asteri quickly calmed down, falling asleep before her parents could distract her again.
"Looks like our little astrologist is all tuckered out," Mona said, stroking her daughter's hair.
"Thank goodness," Aether said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I'll take her to her room, honey."
Mona kissed her sleeping daughter on the forehead, "Sweet dreams, Asteri."
Aether carried Asteri to her room and softly laid her in her small bed. She looked so peaceful when her boundless energy didn't keep Mona and him busy all day. After kissing her on the forehead, he returned to the living room, where his wife waiting on the couch. Seeing her husband return, the astrologist patted the spot next to her, a request Aether gladly complied with.
"I'm glad you've gotten used to parenting, Aether. You two are so adorable," Mona said, pecking Aether's cheek.
An embarrassed grin formed on Aether's face. "She got that from her mommy." Regaining his composure, Aether posed and smirked. "The esteemed student of Mona Megistus doesn't regret his vows for a moment. Fate had gifted him with the most beautiful angel he could ever hope to have. No world compares to her." He topped it off with a wink before he kissed the back of Mona's hand.
"You're far too kind, Aether…" Mona blushed at her husband's compliments before he glanced toward her daughter's room. She nudged closer to her husband and looked into his golden eyes, "I think Asteri will be asleep for a while…"
Aether smiled, realizing what Mona was trying to imply. He cupped her soft cheeks and whispered with a knowing smile, "We can wake her up in an hour, my dear Mona."
"Call me Master," The purple-haired astrologist said, allowing her love to push her down on the couch.
The blond traveler let out a chuckle. "As you wish, Master Mona."
They kissed passionately for as long as their stamina allowed. Aether held his beautiful wife's waist close to his while running his head through her smooth, purple hair. He could hear her moan in glee as she ran her hand through his long hair. They both felt their hearts flutter in each other's company and embrace.
A happy family that fate brought together.