Chapter 126 The Returning Warmth

Chapter 126 The Returning Warmth

​Soft suckling sounds filled the dimly lit room. Agatha adjusted her shallow breathing, holding Arkanza to her right breast and Althea to her left. Both infants nursed with surprising strength. Her chest felt tender and heavy. A sense of relief washed over her every time the warm liquid transferred to their tiny mouths. The white milk occasionally trickled from the corners of Arkanza’s lips, as he struggled to swallow it all at once. Agatha winced, feeling the sharp tug on her engorged tissues. The front of her gown was already damp from the overflow that could not be contained.
​Archeron was cradled in Xavier’s arms. The infant moved restlessly, greedily pulling at the nipple of his bottle. The plastic made a rhythmic clicking sound with every deep draw Archeron took.
​"Slowly, Archeron. You might choke," Xavier murmured.
​Xavier watched his wife intently. He noted the open buttons of Agatha’s gown. Her pale neckline was clearly visible under the low glow of the bedside lamp. He swallowed hard. A different kind of thirst began to rise in his throat. His eyes remained fixed on the movement of his children’s lips.
​"The milk is so abundant. Arkanza is actually choking on it," Agatha said.
​Agatha winced slightly as Arkanza nursed with renewed vigor. She stroked her son’s head gently. "Mmh. Nnh." A small sound vibrated in Arkanza’s throat.
​"Give Archeron to me when he is finished, Xavier. I need to burp him," Agatha requested.
​Xavier set the empty bottle on the nightstand. He lifted Archeron and settled him against his shoulder. He patted the infant’s back until a small burp escaped. "Ugh."
​"Here, let me take him," Agatha said.
​Ten minutes passed before the three infants finally drifted into a deep sleep within their respective bassinets. Xavier helped Agatha tidy her clothes. He fastened each button of her gown one by one, his hands trembling slightly. His fingertips brushed against the warmth of her skin.
​"Why are your hands shaking?" Agatha asked.
​Xavier did not answer. Instead, he leaned closer to her neck. He inhaled the scent of her skin, which was now a mix of her natural fragrance and the sweet aroma of milk. "I want some, too. It is my turn now, sweetheart."
​Agatha pushed against his shoulders weakly. "Are you mad? Your children just went to sleep. You are not a baby, Xavier."
​"But I am your husband. I need attention as well," Xavier whispered against her ear.
​Xavier began to kiss her neck softly. His hand moved to cup her jaw, trailing the tip of his nose along the line of her face. He took a deep breath, letting the scent fill his lungs. He did nothing more. He simply wanted to be close to her. Agatha let out a long sigh. She allowed him to bury his face in the crook of her neck for a moment.
​"Akh. That tickles, Xavier. Stop it," Agatha protested with a soft laugh.
​Xavier paused his actions. He looked deep into her eyes. "I was so terrified of losing you. Let me stay like this for just a little while."
​Agatha grew quiet. She felt the raw sincerity in his voice. She reached out and ran her fingers through his hair. "I am here. I am not going anywhere."
​"Promise?" Xavier asked.
​"Yes, I promise. Now help me up. I am starving," Agatha said.
​Xavier stood immediately. He helped Agatha rise from the bed. Her steps were still a bit unsteady. Xavier wrapped a protective arm around her waist. They walked slowly out of the room toward the dining area. Their temporary quarters were on the ground floor, so Agatha did not have to struggle with the stairs.
​The dining room was already bustling. The large wooden table was laden with various dishes. Melynda was busy arranging the plates. Frans sat in one of the chairs, tapping away at his phone. Cardios occupied the head of the table, peering at documents through his reading glasses.
​"Oh, look who it is! Our new parents have finally emerged from their nest," Frans called out.
​Frans stood and pulled out a chair for Agatha. "Please, sit, Agatha. Madame Melynda has prepared the finest meal for you."
​"Thank you, Frans. Thank you, Mother," Agatha replied.
​Melynda approached Agatha and squeezed her shoulder. "Eat as much as you like, dear. You need to regain your strength. I made the rib soup you love."
​Melynda set a bowl of warm soup in front of her. She ensured Agatha received the tenderest cuts of meat. "Do not let Xavier finish it all. He looks quite ravenous tonight."
​Xavier pulled his chair up beside Agatha. "I am only hungry after the struggle in the delivery room, Mother."
​"What struggle? You only screamed and cried," Frans teased.
​Laughter erupted around the table. Even the nurse passing by could not help but smile. Cardios set his documents aside. He looked at each face in the room. This space, which usually felt silent and cold, was now transformed. The clinking of silverware and Frans’s laughter filled every corner.
​"This house finally has life in it again," Cardios murmured quietly.
​Xavier was busy feeding Agatha. He made sure she chewed every bite before offering the next spoonful. "Open up again, sweetheart. You need the nutrition."
​"I can eat by myself, Xavier. My hands are not paralyzed," Agatha protested.
​"Just be quiet and eat. I enjoy doing this," Xavier countered.
​Agatha gave in. She accepted every spoonful Xavier offered. The warmth of the soup spread through her body. She saw Melynda’s happy smile. She saw Frans continuing to tease Xavier about baby diapers. She saw her grandfather looking far more at peace.
​"What are your plans after this?" Cardios asked suddenly.
​Xavier stopped mid-bite. "I will take them back to our home once Agatha has fully recovered."
​"I think it would be better if you stayed here for the next few months. There are many people here who can help Agatha care for the babies," Melynda suggested.
​Agatha looked at Xavier. They had discussed this before. "We will think about it."
​Dinner lasted quite a while. Stories of Xavier’s embarrassing childhood continued to flow from Frans. Xavier tried to shut his friend up several times but failed. Agatha could not stop laughing until her abdomen began to ache.
​"Aduhh. Stop it, Frans. You are making my stitches hurt from laughing so much," Agatha said, clutching her stomach.
​"Okay, okay. I will stop. But truly, Xavier once cried because he was afraid of a cat," Frans added before finally falling silent under Xavier’s sharp glare.
​Once the plates were cleared by the staff, the atmosphere turned a bit more serious. Cardios adjusted his position in his chair. He looked at Agatha intently. There was something he wanted to say, but he had been waiting for the right moment.
​"Agatha, do you feel better now?" Cardios asked.
​"Yes, Grandfather. I feel much stronger," Agatha answered.
​Cardios nodded. He tapped his index finger against the table. The sound was rhythmic amidst the sudden silence that settled over them.
​"Xavier, bring Agatha to my study once you have finished eating. There is something important I need to discuss with both of you," Cardios commanded.
​"Alright." Xavier nodded.