Once upon a time
Novak
- And then... I fearlessly stood in front of the huge dragon. It was breathing fire and growling so loud that it's sound shook the ground. Everyone else hid in a safe place but not me. I drew my sword and shouted from the top of my lungs while I attacked the vicious dragon. - Freddy's eyes widened as he listened to the story of my heroism. He quickly sat up in his bed and grabbed my arm with his tiny jaw dropped.
- What happened next grandpa!? - I patted his head and gently pushed him back to his bed. I tucked him in and winked.
- I'll tell you the rest tomorrow! - he pouted.
- But... The dragon... - I waved to Freddy and when I was about to turn the lights down I heard his little voice.
- Grandpa... - I stopped at the door and saw his unique eyes shining in the darkness. The left one red like mine and his father's, while in the right one, I saw those sunflower eyes that changed our lives forever.
- Yes kiddo? - Fredrick swallowed and pulled the bedsheet till the tip of his nose.
- Can you check under my bed? - I put my hands on my waist and tilted my head.
- Frederick, you are the Prince of Estermond, the future ruler of all monsters. What are you afraid of? - He pulled himself straight. I loved this little fella.
- I tell you if you don't tell it to mom and dad! - he reached towards me with his pinky and I walked back locking mine with his.
- I promise on my honor.
- I'm afraid that the ghost of those bad people who hurt mommy will come for me too. - I knew my eyes shined vividly in the darkness, I saw it in the reflection of his.
- Freddy, they won't come here. If anyone even had a thought to hurt you, your dad and mom would take care of them even before they could have a second thought. And I'm here as well, nothing bad could happen to you. Now, night night little sucker before I get scolded for keeping you awake!
- But grandpa... You said you are fearless.
- Well, yes I'm but your mom is another category! Now hush little vampire! - Freddy giggled and with sleepy eyes he mumbled.
- Good night grandpa.
- Good night kiddo! - I closed the door of his room and saw Uma standing by the door. Her appearance was so sudden that I jumped in scare. Uma giggled.
- What's wrong fearless warrior? - I quickly took my hand from my chest that I caught there in surprise.
- You scared me! - she just shook her head.
- I came to check if everything's alright. You took your sweet time. - we walked back to the salon that connected our new offices.
- I just told him a bedtime story. Uma... I think you need to know something. - she sighed.
- Still afraid of the bad humans? - I nodded and wondered why am I even surprised that she knew it.
- Yes. I don't know from where he heard about those times.
- Probably from the maids, they like to run their mouths carelessly.
- Should I take care of the matter? - I asked and my daughter-in-law's eyes sparkled viciously in the dim light of the corridors.
- No need for that...
- I know this glance, what do you have in mind? - she shrugged and grinned.
- I'll just tell it to Asier. Who am I to take care of everything? - I patted her back and we laughed as we arrived to the salon. It was huge room, with windows from the ceiling to the white marble floor. The walls were red with golden decorations. The curtains heavy and black. A golden chandelier hung in the middle lighting up the room whenever due to the cloudy weather we needed more light. Asier was already sitting on one of the black leather sofa's and reading some kind of report. He immediately picked his glance up as soon as Uma's feet touched the floor of the salon. He got up and with quick steps he approached us, Asier picked Uma up and twirled her around. Her giggles filled the room and echoed within the majestic walls. I smiled watching the glances they shared and for a split moment I saw two entirely different people where my son and his wife were standing. The room turned white, with dark blue curtains, the sunlight shined on the fresh snow that covered the kingdom almost blinding me. And there was her, standing in the windows, cheerfully telling stories while she caressed her baby bump and probably wondered about what to name our little miracle. I got shook gently and with the blink of an eye, she disappeared. Instead, a pair of red eyes stared into mine with worry.
- Dad, are you alright? It seemed like you weren't here for a moment. - Smiled at Asier and nodded.
- Yes, sorry, I got lost in my memories. What did you say?
- I just told you and Uma that there were strange movements around our borders and the Elf kingdom. Have you got any news from there? - I chuckled remembering the dozens of unanswered letters in my drawer.
- I might have some, just give me a little time and I'll check. - That moment the door swung open and the butler ran after a tall woman.
- Your Highness! You can't barge in like this! Please let me announce you! - she scoffed and turned to the butler angrily.
- I'm part of the family! I don't need to be introduced! Piss off! - the poor butler looked at me and I nodded. He bowed leaving us alone. The tall slender woman turned hectically towards Asier and in matter of seconds she was already pinching his cheeks.
- ASIER! Long time now see! How is my little baby boy?! - Uma looked at me shocked waiting for and explanation but it was more important to save Asier from the trap he got himself into.
- One moment my dear! - I said to Uma and hurried to save my son.
- Effie! Let Asier go you'll rip his cheeks off! - she released my son and with her vibrating dark turquoise and light grey eyes she looked into mine.
- You... - she marched towards me. Effie's long, silky, light red hair mover around her slender figure but she radiated the same power as she always used to. I looked around to find a way to escape but I wasn't fast enough for the queen of Elves.
- NOVAK YOU BASTARD! - Effie started hitting my chest while she cursed.
- HOW DARE YOU IGNORE MY LETTERS?! MY GODSON GOT MARRIED HE IS EVEN A FATHER ALREADY AND I HAVE TO GET THIS INFORMATION FROM THE NEWS?! - Uma's voice stopped Effie's attack.
- Godson? - she stopped and turned to Uma.
- Yes. I'm this ungrateful brat's godmother! My name is Euphemia, and I'm the queen of elves. - Uma bowed and introduce herself while Asier rubbed his aching cheeks.
- My name is Uma, I'm Estermond's princess and Asier’s wife. Nice to finally meet you!