Chapter 129 The childhood I never had i

Chapter 129 The childhood I never had i
The warmth of the morning still lingered in the room long after the heavy, intoxicating fog of their intimacy had cleared. Anastasia lay tangled in the sheets, her body exhausted, as she watched William adjust his shirt. The fierce, demanding vampire from just an hour ago was gone, replaced by the calm, commanding presence of her lord.

He paused by the edge of the bed, leaning down to press a soft kiss against her forehead. “What do you have in mind today?" William asked.

Anastasia gave it a thought then shook her head.

“I have to return to Umbra-Hollow for a short while to tend to some matters,” William said, his voice coming out in a clean bass that commanded attention. “While I am gone, I want you to think about where you want to go.”

Anastasia blinked, still a little dazed. “Where do I want to go?" she trailed off. She had no idea where, she hadn't gone out much all her life.

“Anywhere," he murmured, “The world is vast, little moon. Think of a place you'd like to see, and I'll take you there. Have an answer for me when I return."

With a final, lingering look, he departed, leaving her alone with her swirling thoughts. Anastasia stared at the ceiling. A year ago, she was just an ordinary girl. Now, she was intertwined with a powerful being, navigating another world entirely when she had not even had the full taste of her own world. Where did she want to go? She had no idea. Her entire world had been flipped upside down so quickly that just lying here, safe in his bed, felt like enough.

The quiet didn't last long. A light knock on the door broke her daydream, and before she could fully sit up, the door opened.

Morgana walked in, carrying a tray on which was a steaming ceramic bowl that emitted a strong, earthy aroma of crushed herbs. Behind her was Zevrak, who smiled as soon as their eyes met

Memories from the previous day rushed back to her. Her smile widened as she tried to conceal whatever she was feeling. She pulled the blanket off herself revealing her nightwear, but suddenly felt incredibly shy under Morgana's sharp gaze.

But Morgana's gaze remained even and a faint smile touched her lips. “Good morning, my girl," she said, as she focused solely on the remedy in her hands, placing it on a table near her.

“Grandma," she said quietly.

Morgana took the bowl and gave it to her. “Drink this," she said. "This will help with whatever it was that was in your body system.”

Anastasia smelled it and frowned. “It smells bitter."

Morgana let out a soft laugh. “Never heard of such a thing before. How will you know if it was bitter if you don't taste it?”

Zevrak's lips curled up as he stepped forward, checking the temperature of the brew and nodding approvingly. "The herbs are fresh and the ingredients are complete. They will balance your energy. Make sure you drink every drop.”

Anastasia held his gaze, then he nodded, taking the bowl in both hands. “Thank you, Zevrak. Thank you… Grandma.”

After ensuring Anastasia finished every drop, Morgana took the bowl back. Zevrak checked her pulse again. “The herb will restore your energy and magic."

Anastasia looked up and her eyes met with his. “You thought we wouldn't notice?" said Zevrak.

She stared at her fingers. "I don't know when it started, I just know I cannot use it again.”

“It's fine," Zevrak said. “It will be back with treatment as time goes on. With that, he turned to Morgana. “I'll take my leave."

The silence stretched for a moment. Anastasia kept her eyes glued to her hands. The memory of the night before rushed to her and she glowed crimson, unable to look at Morgana.

Instead, Morgana let out a soft, amused chuckle and sat on the edge of the mattress. “You look like you're waiting for an executioner, Anastasia,” Morgana said, her voice surprisingly warm.

“I… I just thought you would be… I don't know, Grandma,” she confessed, her voice barely a whisper as she looked into Morgana's eyes. "About last night. About…"

Morgana sighed, her expression softening. She reached out, gently holding Anastasia's hands. “Angry? No. To be completely honest with you, I am happy for you.”

Anastasia looked up, surprised. “You are? But I thought you'd be…"

“Whether you comply with the prophecy or not, the reality remains the same: you have ruthless enemies who want you dead," Morgana said, her tone turning serious. “Your life is in constant peril. So, choosing to love him. Choosing to live your life fully before any danger can reach you? I support that completely. As your grandmother, why should I want you to deny yourself happiness? When I already deprived you enough of your childhood.”

Anastasia felt a heavy weight lift from her chest. "I just didn't think you would understand.”

"And why wouldn't I? I'm the one who got you those dresses. Remember? I even picked out those nightgowns for you to help you seduce him.”

"Grandma.”

Morgana smiled, a nostalgic glint in her eyes. "In the old days, when a king demanded a virgin girl, our people would gladly give their daughters to the king. It was an honor for the parents that the king chose their daughter. But Lord Liam? He was a king who willingly wanted to be your boyfriend. He protects, he treasures you, and he looks at you as an equal. That is a beautiful thing.”

"How do you know that?” Anastasia asked shyly.

“He asked whether you'd ever had a boyfriend before. He even asked for my permission. I feel honored."

A small, genuine smile finally broke across Anastasia's face. “He told me to think of a place I want to go with him today. But my mind is completely blank."

"You went out yesterday, right?” Morgana asked.

“Mm.” Anastasia nodded. "From now on, we'll go out a lot more."

Morgana beamed. "Well, then let us figure it out together.” Morgana took her phone out of her long skirt pocket. Her reaction made Anastasia giggle. “Let's look at the Internet. We can make a list of everything you want to do with him."

"Really?” Anastasia couldn't believe her eyes.

"Of course. This is new to an old woman like me also. But the internet is our friend.”

The two chuckled and Anastasia also took out her tablet from the bed drawer.

"What exactly should we search for?" Morgana asked, her thumb hovering over the screen.

Anastasia thought about it for a second, a small smile appearing on her face as she looked at Morgana. “Let's look for ‘romantic date ideas for couples’,” Anastasia suggested, tapping the screen. "I want to see ordinary places. Amusement parks, street food markets, and beautiful gardens. Just search for things that normal, everyday people do when they are in love.”

“Aww, in love." Morgana teased her.

“Grandma."

For the next hour, the two of them huddled over the screen, scrolling through beautiful travel destinations, bustling cities, and quiet hidden beaches. Morgana helped her type out a bucket list, occasionally nudging Anastasia's shoulder playfully.

“You should add a romantic dinner by the ocean," Morgana suggested, typing it into the notes app. Then, she paused, a mischievous smirk spreading across her face. “And you know… even if you happen to bear his child, your grandmother would be absolutely thrilled. An heir to his bloodline would be a blessing.”

“Grandma!" Anastasia squeaked, burying her burning face in her hands.

Morgana laughed, patting her knee. “I'm only teasing. But truly live your life. You deserve this joy."