Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 409: Lessons For The Future II

Chapter 409: Lessons For The Future II

Children?

Daphne couldn’t help but chuckle at Queen Lavinia’s words. While the Queen looked any bit but joking, Daphne just wasn’t able to see it any other way. Yes, Bianca was adorable and it did induce a ridiculously infectious round of baby fever, but there was no way she could have children with Atticus.

Not now, at least, with their relationship in tatters.

"Oh, I’m sure my husband and I are in tune when we say that children just aren’t possible right now," Daphne said with a slightly forced chuckle. She shook her head, not even a bit of joy hidden in her smile. "We’re still young and there are a lot of things in our relationship that need to grow before we’re ready for children, ourselves included."

"Of course, I am not saying that this is a foolproof plan," Lavinia said, "but sometimes, a small bundle of joy can really help pull the family together."

"Auntie, that is horrid advice," Cordelia said with a deadpan. "If you can’t even take care of yourself, why would you want children? They’ll just grow up with emotional trauma from both parents."

Daphne was quick to nod her head. She bobbed up and down, and perhaps it was the sudden intense motion, paired with the heavy dinner, she felt something bubbling in her stomach. On instinct, Daphne held her hand to her chest, willing the sensation away. It took a few seconds but the discomfort quickly subsided.

"I’ll have to agree with Cordelia," she said once she had managed to ease the nausea. "Atticus and I just aren’t ready yet― both as people and as parents. We aren’t well-equipped to welcome a new addition to the family and I am not sure whether we can handle the responsibility either."

However, while she said those things, the temptation of starting a family with Atticus kept on growing like a fueled fire. A spark had been added, and now, aided by Queen Lavinia’s perfect little family, Daphne badly wanted something like that for her own.

Her family growing up hadn’t been the best environment. As such, she had never experienced what it was like to have a haven to come back to after a night out in the storm. Even though they were married, Daphne realized that she knew little to nothing about Atticus’s family background as well.

From what she knew, Daphne understood that most people learned parenting abilities from their original families. With Atticus’s family missing in action, and Daphne’s own being nearly complete utter failures, she didn’t wish to risk her own child’s youth like this.

Time. Time would prove it all.

"Oh dear. Perhaps you should get some rest," Lavinia said, still rocking Bianca back and forth. The baby made mewling, purring sounds, akin to a pacified cat. The sound was slowly getting addictive, and Daphne had to will herself to tune it out. "You don’t look too well."

"You are a little pale," Cordelia said, pointing out. "Well, paler than usual."

"It must be all of that travel," Daphne said. "Xahan is beautiful, but the deserts surrounding the area are truly vicious."

"It is a wonderful natural protection for our territory," Lavinia said.

Her eyes sparkled, and for a split second, Daphne saw not of the kindness and compassion Queen Lavinia had displayed throughout the night, but a silent ferocity befitting of her status as the queen of one of the most powerful nations.

"Calarian and I have built a home here for our people," she continued, her eyes turning to gaze down at her baby with motherly affection. Yet, there was still something about her words that sounded ominous. "We intend to use every bit of our ability to protect this home."

"Of course," Daphne said with a nod. "You’re the mother of Xahan. This is expected of the role."

"I am glad you understand, Queen Daphne," Lavinia said. Warmth returned to her smile and she slowly placed Bianca back into the bassinet. She cooed and played with her baby for a couple of seconds more until the infant eventually fell back asleep. "As the queen of Vramid, and in the future, the queen of Reaweth, you will come to realize that there are some things more important than others. You will have to know which to prioritize when the time calls for it."

She turned to her niece, gesturing to the door with a nod.

"It’s getting late. Cordelia, would you be a darling and show our guest to her chambers? It’s time for a good rest." Lavinia then turned her gaze to Daphne. "I’m sure our husbands have also already finished their conversation. King Atticus will join you in the guest room soon, if not already. As for your friend, a different room has been prepared for him."

Daphne nodded, though her entire body felt as though it was rooted to the ground. She wanted anything but to return to her chambers, where her husband would most definitely be later, if not now.

However, Cordelia paid no mind to Daphne’s hesitance. She simply walked to the door, holding it open as she raised an eyebrow, tossing a stare at her friend.

"You coming?" she asked, quickly snapping Daphne out of her reverie.

"Yes!" Daphne said, jolting and hurrying over.

Zephyr, on the other hand, was quickly led away by a different palace staff. They had provided a room on the highest floor for him, with wide open windows that allowed Zephyr to fly in and out as he pleased.

The walk back to the guest room was filled with silence. Cordelia — bless her observation skills and the ability to read the room — was quiet all throughout. She didn’t ask any questions, nor did she pry about other aspects of Daphne’s life and force her to answer minute ice-breaker questions. Instead, it was comfortably silent, just as Daphne liked.

They went past corridor after corridor, and with Daphne’s mind racing a thousand miles an hour, she could barely even remember the way there. One moment she was in Bianca’s room, and the other, Cordelia had stopped in front of the door that she would be staying behind for her visit to Xahan.

"The guest chambers are a little far away from the main wing," Cordelia said. "You have a sodalite with you, yes?"

When Daphne numbly shook her head, Cordelia rolled her eyes. The latter reached into her pockets, pulling out a small royal blue stone. She pressed into the palm of Daphne’s hands, helping her curl her fingers around the crystal, which was pulsing with magic.

"Let me know if you need anything," she said. "This stone is only linked to mine and will work as long as you’re within the palace."

Daphne nodded, and when Cordelia left after an affirming pat on the shoulder, the former had to take deep breaths to calm herself down. She pictured her husband on the other side of the door, seated on the bed perhaps, reading through an endless pile of documents. Now, she wondered if all those notes he studied back then were of his plans or if it was truly papers regarding Vramid.

She placed her hand on the door handle, trying to build up the courage to push the door open. Right as she pressed down, a familiar voice called out from behind her.

"Sunshine?"