Astra, white-haired and pale as moonlight, opened pale eyes to the sky—a soft violet color. Solas, as red as Stamel, opened pale-blue eyes and blinked up before closing them once more.
Solas and Astra. I approve. May they please my sister in their actions and pay their respects to me as they grow. The sun and I have gifted them with the thalms, the mind, and the patience they will need to make a difference in this world. As Solas was born first, he will be king. And Astra will prove instrumental. And all your many children to come will all have their purpose. Grow well, little ones. And may you teethe and bite your pater’s teat often to show him how it feels to have a child turn their mind from your demands.
Seidrik sighed heavily as Virion stifled a snort of laughter.
Laugh well, my silver one, and I may offer you the same courtesy.
Virion silenced quickly.
You’ve done well. Continue to do well.
“We only have one bassinet.” Seidrik huffed as they thanked the goddess and went to his bedchambers.
“You have two,” Saria said from the living room. “I know where our old bassinets are from when we were little.”
She left, presumably to go get the things from storage.
Jori kicked everyone out of the room as he put one babe into the bassinet they had available and set the other one to latch on Seidrik’s chest.
“I have to ask while Stamel is away. There are things a little morepermanentthan nightflower and honeythistle. I understand you may not want to have many pregnancies if the likelihood of having twins is so large. Do not let Stamel make that decision for you.”
Seidrik stared down as Solas nestled in for a drink, drawing out his first milk.
“Nightflower and honeythistle will do for now. We’ll decide later. I don’t think Stamel will push for more than I can handle. He knows my limits more than I do.” Seidrik brushed the sparse hair of his child with his fingers and stared, lost in the absolute love he felt.
“Okay. Do feel free to call, and I will be staying for a week or so to make sure you heal right. I’m not sure what Nilla discussed with you, but no maritals for two moons, and tell me if he’s being persistent or pestering you and I will have Pallosar come beat some sense into him with a slipper.” Jori gave Seidrik a warm smile.
“I appreciate you. Thank you. Is there any chance you could visit the sanctuary of omegas in Croatens and start some of them in training to be night nurses?” Seidrik stared at Jori hopefully. “Liaberos will compensate you and Croatens well for it.”
“That is a lovely idea. I know two omegas who would be perfect for it.” Jori smiled and helped Seidrik swap babies.
“I think we need a better name for them than night nurses. That seems more for aftercare and babe management.” Seidrik cradled Astra to his other pectoral, letting him feed. Since the piercings had been removed, he was remarkably sensitive.
“What about the moonguard. They protect what the moon holds dearest, armed with her sigil and blessings?” Jori stared at Seidrik and smiled when he nodded.
“Let it be so. I decree on this day we institute a standardization of care and treatment for birthing omegas. The omegas that will move forward in their training will be known as the moonguard and will guard and aid those who enter the moon’s domain and aid the transition of life and loss.” Seidrik stared at his children and swallowed hard. “Because not all omegas are fortunate enough to nurse and hold their children after.”
“Very astute.” Jori tidied up a bit and checked on Solas before giving him an experimental check, holding him up for an extra burping.
Seidrik glanced to his bedroom window, a sliver of the moon and sky visible through the gauzy curtains. “I owe my goddesses much and will do all that I can to be less like my father.”
And under his breath, Seidrik hummed a lullaby.
Your pater always loves you.
Your pater always tries.
For all the things you say and do
until the sun will rise.
Until the day I speak no more
Until you sleep your last
I’ll be with you—be sure
Until my memory has passed.
