(Other Realm)
Alethia awoke to the piercing cry of Alhanna's telepathic message echoing in her mind. "If you still have any love for me, make your way to Salstarin immediately. Your niece or nephew is about to be born."
Without wasting a moment, Alethia hastily dressed and summoned Cordelia to her side. "Alhanna is in labor," she informed her sister.
Cordelia groaned, clearly not thrilled about being awakened at such an early hour. "But it's three in the morning," she protested.
"Well, it seems our future niece or nephew doesn't care about our sleep. Alhanna needs us. Let's go," Alethia insisted. In an instant, they teleported into the courtyard of Salstarin, where Jarhan awaited their arrival. "You made it. Good. Alhanna is in the hospital wing," he informed them.
Alethia and Cordelia hurried through the palace, weaving their way to the hospital wing. The room was abuzz with activity as clerics prepared for the imminent birth. Alhanna lay in a bed, her hair disheveled and tears streaming down her face. Alethia rushed to her side, taking her hand. "We're here, little sister."
Alhanna squeezed Alethia's hand tightly, her pain evident in her grip. "What took you so long?" she demanded.
Alethia winced but remained steadfast. "Do not concern yourself with that now."
As one of the clerics approached, Alhanna cried out in pain. "It's time, child. You must push," the cleric instructed.
Cordelia took Alhanna's other hand as she sat up, closing her eyes and bracing herself for the intense pain. For forty agonizing minutes, there was a symphony of screams and cries. Finally, the cleric looked up with encouragement. "One more push, dear. One final push, and your little one will arrive."
Summoning every ounce of strength, Alhanna pushed with all her might. Exhausted, she slumped back against the pillow, tears streaming down her cheeks. A cry pierced the air, filling the hospital wing. The cleric held up a bundle of blankets.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty. It's a boy."
Alhanna cradled her baby in her arms, tears of joy streaming down her face. "My beautiful baby boy, welcome to the family."
Alethia and Cordelia leaned in, marveling at their new nephew. "Oh, my dear, he is truly stunning," Cordelia whispered.
Alhanna nodded, her gaze fixed on her son. "Yes, he is."
Jarhan joined them, brushing Alhanna's hair away from her face as he looked at his son. "He's truly wonderful, my love. Our little prince."
Stepping back, Alethia and Cordelia allowed the new parents to savor the moment. After a while, Jarhan left the hospital wing to spread the news of the newest addition to the royal family. Alhanna looked up at her sisters. "Who wants to hold him first?"
Cordelia cradled the baby in her arms, marveling at his resemblance to his father. "He's absolutely adorable," she murmured.
After a few minutes, Cordelia passed the baby to Alethia, who smiled down at the precious bundle. "He has your eyes, dear."
Alhanna relaxed back on the bed, a soft smile gracing her face as Alethia gently rocked the baby. "So, will you finally tell me where you two have been since the wedding? Father says you only return for training. He hasn't seen Cordelia at all," Alhanna inquired.
Alethia let out a soft sigh. "Cordelia wants to establish herself away from the palace. I am helping her gather the necessary funds."
Alhanna nodded slowly, her fingers running through her hair. "So, what are you doing for work?"
Alethia nodded. "Yes, we are both working. I'll continue to assist her as long as I can."
Alhanna's voice trembled as she spoke of Zepher. "I... I heard Zepher called off the wedding. You caught him with another woman."
Alethia's gaze shifted to the baby in her arms before nodding. "Yes, I did. It was one of the servant girls from his palace. But if he is happy, that's what truly matters."
Alhanna reached out, squeezing Alethia's arm gently. "I'm sorry, Alethia. If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."
Cordelia smirked but remained silent about Alethia's romantic life. Alethia shot her a warning look before handing the baby back to Alhanna. "Thank you, dear. But I promise, I will be fine." She kissed Alhanna's forehead. "Right now, you need to rest and focus on this little prince. We'll come to visit in a few days. If you need anything, just send me a message."
Alhanna nodded, a soft smile on her face as Cordelia also kissed her forehead and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Take care of the little prince, sister. See you soon."
Alethia and Cordelia teleported back to the inn, each going to their respective rooms.
Exhausted, Alethia sat on her bed, yawning as she gazed out the window. The sun was just beginning to rise over the treetops. Brushing her hair away from her eyes, she collapsed back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Rolling onto her side, she forced herself to sit up and walked over to the wash basin.
Rubbing the drowsiness from her eyes, Alethia swiftly changed into her short black skirt and white blouse that hugged her figure. She ran a brush through her hair before placing it on the desk and stepping out into the hallway. As she closed her door, she noticed a familiar face leaning against the wall - the young man she had encountered three nights prior, the same man she had spotted in Greg Minister.
"Can I be of assistance, sir?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.
He shook his head. "No, just heading down for breakfast." Alethia nodded, securing her door. "Ruby, right?"
"Indeed," he replied with a nod. "And if I'm not mistaken, you're Blake?"
"You've got it," he confirmed. "Do you work here?"
“Yes, why is something wrong with your room?”
He shrugged casually. "Nah, nothing like that. Just thought I'd engage in some small talk."
Alethia's curiosity piqued further. "Oh, where's your companion?"
A smile tugged at his lips. "Chris? She's still sleeping. Hardly gets a chance to catch up on rest with everything that's been happening."
"I see. It must be tough on her," Alethia remarked, making her way down the hall with Blake trailing behind her. They descended the stairs and entered the bustling common room.
"It definitely takes its toll on her," he acknowledged, joining Alethia at the bar. Ozark, the innkeeper, emerged and took Blakes order before retreating back to the kitchen. He returned later with Blake’s meal in hand.
"Ruby, where's Marianna? I need her to head out for our pick-up," Ozark inquired, a hint of impatience in his voice.
Alethia offered a warm smile. "Marianna is still asleep, Ozark. We had a late night. Our sister just had her baby, so we became aunts."
Ozark let out a sigh. "Fine then. I suppose you're fortunate that I care for both of you."
Alethia chuckled appreciatively. "We know how lucky we are, Ozark. Thank you for the delicious breakfast, as always."
Ozark placed a glass of juice before her and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Anything for you, dear."
Alethia finished her meal, unlocked the door, and embarked on another day at the inn. Despite her exhaustion, she was filled with anticipation for what the new day would bring.
