CHAPTER 119: THE GOLDEN BOND

Ariana’s eyes opened gently as she turned. Her body felt heavy, and she noticed she couldn’t move her legs. Her eyes widened as the memories from earlier came rushing back. She pushed herself up to sit, her gaze scanning the room for her child.

"Luna Ariana," Leah spoke when she noticed the queen looked worried just immediately she had woken up.

Ariana’s eyes finally landed on the sleeping baby. Her expression calmed. The small rolling bed beside her, now covered, stood quietly next to her own. She had been so caught up with herself that she hadn’t realized her surroundings.

She couldn’t feel any pain in her lower body—it was numb, a reminder of her earlier labor. She just sat there, her eyes moving calmly to the child as the baby there warmed her heart deeply.

Leah grew worried at the queen’s silence. She had no idea why Ariana was so calm, as though lost deep in thought.

"Luna Ariana," she called again, this time more gently, more softly.

Ariana slowly shifted her gaze, her lips parting.

"L..Leah."

Leah’s eyes grew wide in both disbelief and shock as she stared at her queen. Her lips opened and closed, but no words came out. Realizing her shock, she bowed, her mind racing with questions like a chant echoing in her head.

"Yes, Luna Ariana," she finally replied, bowing again. She had never heard a voice so smooth. Even with the slight stutter, it flowed in the air like a piano note—soft, melodic, and graceful.

"Luna Ariana, the lady is here. I had told her you would need to be informed since you were not yet awake," Leah said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Ariana nodded as she moved her fingers and signed gently.

"Thank you"

"The bath will be taken here, as you’ll need to see how it’s done," Leah explained, and Ariana nodded gently. Leah wanted her to feel at ease—she knew different thoughts were running through Ariana’s head. The queen had already slept for hours.

Even during that time, Leah had remained by her side. When the little baby had woken up, she had simply hummed softly until the child fell asleep again. She wanted Ariana to not only see how it was done but also to know her child was safe.

A small smile rested on Ariana’s lips as a soft knock came at the door. Leah walked over and opened it. The maids entered in order, carrying chairs, a rolling cart filled with cream, baby soap, and various other things. Another maid followed behind, carrying a flat rolling stuff. Once she reached the center of the room, she pressed a button, and it opened—transforming into a small yet spacious tub.

Ariana’s eyes widened. She had never seen anything like it before. The room was large and spacious, and the little tub, though not too large—fit perfectly in the center.

The maids all moved as they walked out, but remained outside in case anything else would be needed. Ariana simply watched, her face looking so curious. It seemed everything had been prepared beforehand. It was shocking how well it had been done without her knowing. She was also glad that they brought everything here. She had been a little hesitant about it, but now she felt relieved—very much so.

Ariana then signed, her eyes moving from the baby who was still sound asleep to Leah.

"Bring her. I need to feel her."

Leah bowed respectfully as she moved toward the baby, her face calm. She gently took the baby with care. Ariana noticed the way she carried the child—it showed her experience with little ones. The way she moved as she gently placed the baby in Ariana’s hands, then adjusted the baby’s head with care.

"Lady Ariana, you have to keep in mind that the child’s head should be well-placed. It needs to be handled with extra care."

Ariana nodded in understanding and did exactly what Leah said, a wide smile spreading across her lips.

Ariana’s heart melted as she stared at her child’s face, which looked peaceful. The child’s hands were loosely closed, and Ariana couldn’t help but smile in surprise. When Zavren returned, they would name the child together.

Ariana moved her hand gently, brushing her thumb along the baby’s cheek. The baby moved softly, her eyes opening. Her wide eyes stared at Ariana, and her mouth opened. Ariana wondered if the little baby was yawning.

She smiled as she looked at her—smiling at those golden eyes that mirrored her own.

There was a soft knock on the door, and Leah moved swiftly, her face calm.

She opened the door and then closed it.

"Lady Bliss is here. May I allow her in?" she asked. Ariana nodded, and Leah nodded back before opening the door.

As the door opened, Ariana noticed the lady. She looked in her mid-forties. Her almost lazy yet calm eyes spoke of wisdom and experience with children.

"Greetings, Luna Ariana. I am Lady Bliss. It is a pleasure to meet you and an honor to work for you."

Ariana nodded calmly as the lady curtsied with grace.

"Congratulations, Luna, on your safe delivery," the lady said, and Ariana nodded with a smile. The lady moved as she spoke again.

"May we begin?"

Ariana nodded.

***

The carriage stopped in front of the castle as Lady Emberg looked through the window. The maids were not out like usual. The only people she saw were the guards—one at the main door and another by the carriage side. The door opened as she calmly stood, moving her walking stick. She stepped out, placing her hand on the guard who helped her. She gave him a nod of approval as her gaze moved over the castle.

She couldn’t help but realize it was still the same as she remembered, even though a few changes had been made.

She walked calmly toward the door, her walking stick echoing gently with her steps, along with the soft sound of her shoes. But just as she reached the door, it didn’t open. The guards remained still.

"We apologize, my lady," the guard finally said after the silence.

"But you are not allowed in."