Touch of Flame

As she gazed at her mother\'s adorned grave, the sight of fresh flowers brought a bittersweet realization—her mother had been a beloved queen, cherished by many. 

"Your mother was a loved queen." Her father explained. "Well, she was impossible not to love," he said with a smile. 

Darcy smiled as well.

Her father sat beside her, sharing stories and memories of their love and how they came to be. Darcy couldn\'t help but smile all the way through, finding solace in the tales that painted a picture of their bond.

"We should come with Ravina next time," her father suggested. 

Her father spoke to her of memories of her mother. He told her how they met and fell in love. Darcy couldn\'t help but keep smiling, yet at the same time, her heart ached that her mother was gone, that her father was without her. She couldn\'t fathom being without Ephraim. Even though she knew she would see him again, she was already missing him so much. 

She took her father\'s hand, squeezing it, hoping to give him some comfort. He looked at her, his blue gaze warm. He smiled, placing his hand on top of her.

"She gave me the best gift in life. You and Ravina. My two angels," he said, his voice filled with both pride and a hint of sorrow.

A tear trickled down Darcy\'s cheek, her emotions overwhelming her. "Father," she choked out, her voice quivering. 

"I can\'t ask for more," he murmured, enfolding her in a tight embrace.

The carriage ride back home was filled with a comfortable silence, allowing the weight of their grief to ease as they absorbed the cathartic release of their emotions. Upon their return, they were greeted by Meredith, her expression filled with worry and relief all at once. 

"What took you so long?" she asked, her gaze scanning each of their faces, lingering on Andrew.

"We are alright, Mother," Andrew assured her. 

Dinner was already served, and they all sat at the table. Andrew calmly told them that he had news to reveal, looking over at his wife. Meredith and Richard paused to listen. 

"Yvaine is pregnant," Andrew announced, a beaming smile spreading across his face.

Richard and Meredith\'s expressions transformed, with joy and excitement lighting up their features. Andrew and Yvaine mirrored their smiles, shared happiness radiating among them.

Meredith managed to find her words amidst her surprise. "Congratulations. I will be a... grandmother," she said.

"Yes, Mother," Andrew replied, his voice filled with pride.

Darcy joined in the congratulations, her heart swelling with happiness for her cousin and his growing family. 

They spent the remainder of the night in celebration, savoring wine and sweets, relishing the newfound closeness and joy within their family. The hours passed with laughter and shared stories, lasting until midnight, when they retreated to their respective rooms.

Richard, on the other hand, went and sat on his favorite bench in the garden, finding solace in the tranquility of the night. The stars above seemed to shine brighter, as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes, revealing the true beauty of the sky. He couldn\'t help but marvel at the sight, contemplating the vastness of the universe.

"Uncle," Andrew\'s voice broke through the stillness, drawing Richard\'s attention. His nephew stood by the hedges, hesitation evident in his posture. Richard patted the spot beside him, inviting Andrew to join him on the bench.

Andrew hesitated for a moment before walking over and settling down next to Richard. They sat in companionable silence, embracing the peace of the night. 

Eventually, Andrew broke the silence "I\'m becoming a father," he said, his words carrying a weight of both excitement and trepidation.

Richard turned to face him, his eyes gentle as he observed Andrew\'s expression. "Indeed," he replied, a warm smile gracing his lips. "Are you nervous?"

Andrew met his uncle\'s gaze. "I am... terrified," he confessed, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips.

Richard\'s hand found its way to Andrew\'s shoulder, offering a comforting touch. He patted him gently and said, "You will do great, Andrew. And remember, I am here for you."

Andrew\'s eyes glistened with gratitude, his gaze briefly dropping to his hands. "I want to do well," he murmured. 

Richard\'s heart swelled with pride. He understood the weight of Andrew\'s words, recalling his own feelings of uncertainty when he received the news of Evanora\'s pregnancy. He had been young then, just like Andrew. The responsibilities that came with royalty often led to early marriages, driven by duty and alliances.

Nodding understandingly,"you will be a good father, Andrew. A strong one," he assured him, his voice filled with confidence.

Andrew\'s lips trembled slightly as he found courage in his uncle\'s words. "I... I will need your guidance," he admitted, his vulnerability shining through.

"I am more than happy to be here for you, Andrew. And your son or daughter will have grandparents, aunts, nieces, and nephews, hopefully soon."

Andrew nodded slowly. 

Richard ventured to discuss the difficult topic. "Half-dragon nieces and nephews." 

Andrew frowned. "What do you mean?" 

"Both Corinna and Ravina have found their significant other in dragons." Richard explained.

Andrew\'s face paled. "How?" He breathed. 

"Well, you already know about Ravina and Corinna, she was saved by a dragon, and he kept her safe until now," Richard said slowly. 

Andrew swallowed, and Richard could see the struggle in his eyes. His jaw clenched. "You are saying… dragons will be part of our family?" 

Richard nodded. "Yes." 

Andrew drew in a sharp breath, looking like he was in physical pain, then stood up. "I will forget this for tonight. I don\'t want my mood ruined yet." He said, giving him a curt nod, he wished him goodnight and rushed away. 

Richard sighed deeply, reminding himself that they had already come so far and not to be discouraged. Then he wondered for a moment how Ravina was doing. He knew she was strong, but she had neglected her for so long that he wished to have her close and spend time with her as he did with Corinna lately. 

His feet led him to her room. Ravina\'s room, where Corinna now stayed. He knocked lightly on the door guessing that she was probably sleeping and if she was he didn\'t want to wake her.

"Come in," Corinna called, surprising him that she was still awake. She sat in bed reading when he stepped inside. 

"Father," She said, surprised to see him as well.

He held his hand up for her to remain seated. "I just… wanted to come by and see you." 

She smiled. "Well then, stay for a while." She offered.