Archer watched as Freya giggled but swatted Elara's hands away from her feet as if defending herself. This made the redhead laugh, and she kissed the baby on the forehead as she glanced at him.
''Malakia wants to see you, sothing about troubleso monsters in the west of the Goldenmane realm,'' she revealed.
''I'll go see her shortly,'' he answered. ''I'm going to show this little fluff ball the world while I go about sorting out Avidia. It seems like she loves exploring, Sia said I can bring her. I was going to bring Neoma and Kela, but they're sleeping after Hecate fed them.''
Without waiting, he scooped the little girl into his arms, causing her to beam as Elara comnted. ''Looks like she loves being your little shadow, Arch. I've never seen a baby smile so much.''
Archer gazed down at Freya, whose wide, sapphire-blue eyes sparkled thanks to her innocent curiosity. Her tiny fingers curled around his, and a warmth surged through him, quickening his pulse with an overwhelming blend of love and pride.
He shook his head gently, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he tried to steady his racing heart. ''Becoming a father... It's beyond anything I could've imagined,'' he said, his voice tender yet firm. ''This little bundle of joy loves unconditionally, and I adore her more than words can ever express.''
Elara's heart swelled at the words, and she stepped closer, her movents deliberate. She wrapped her arms around him in a gentle embrace, mindful of Freya, who was nestled between them, her curious eyes darting between her parents.
Her touch lingered on his skin, a gentle warmth that anchored him in the mont, brimming with unspoken affection and reassurance. She smiled at them and turned away, her focus shifting back to organizing Avidia's defenses as they owned the whole continent now.
anwhile, Archer opened a portal to the Goldmane capital. 'Now let's see what Nala's grandmother wants,' he thought.
Stepping through, he erged just outside the gates of Malakia's palace, the suddenness of his arrival sending a ripple of alarm through the guards. Their hands flew to their weapons as they surged forward, only to freeze mid-step when they recognized him.
The tension lted away, replaced by a mix of relief and deference. Archer's presence, marked by his unmistakable aura and the faint glow of mana from the portal, commanded their respect.
He acknowledged them by nodding, his gaze already lifting to the towering palace, its golden dos gleaming under the midday sun. Just then, the little white-haired baby babbled as she looked around, causing him to glance down.
Cradled in his arms, Freya's bright gaze darted about, taking in the world around her. Her tiny legs kicked thanks to the unrestrained energy, each movent drawing a warm, amused smile from him.
''Enjoying the view?'' he asked. ''What do you say, want to explore the empire?''
Her head whipped toward him, a delighted babble spilling from her lips, as if she understood every word and was already plotting her grand adventure. He happily listened even if he didn't understand.
'Seems very talkative?' he mused.
At that mont, the heavy doors of the palace swung open, and Malakia erged, flanked by two won. The trio's silken robes shimred in the sunlight, their designs reflecting the wealth of the Goldmane empire.
Archer approached, Freya still nestled in his arms, her babbling now a cheerful soundtrack to the mont. He inclined his head in greeting, his tone warm yet respectful. ''Malakia, it's good to see you again. Elara ntioned you wished to speak?''
His gaze briefly flickered to the two won at her side, their expressions unreadable but attentive, before returning to Malakia, awaiting her response with a mix of curiosity and readiness.
Her piercing gaze softened as it landed on Freya, nestled in his arms. The little girl's wide, curious gaze locked on a majestic brown-skinned lioness lounging nearby, her sleek, dark grey hair glinting in the sunlight. Tо rеpоrt еrrоrs, plеаsе visit thе оriginаl pоst оn
Freya's tiny hands clapped with delight, her soft babbles rising in excitent as the lioness lazily flicked her tail, utterly captivating the child. His lips curved into a smile at his daughter's joy.
He glanced down at her, then back to the older woman, catching the subtle shift in her expression, a rare warmth that softened her presence. ''Malakia,'' he said. ''Allow to introduce my daughter, Freya Wyldheart.''
Archer adjusted his hold, turning slightly so Freya faced the empress, her tiny face alight with wonder. Malakia's lips twitched into a faint smile, her eyes lingering on the child, a silent acknowledgnt of the innocent bond forming amidst the weight of their eting.
''Who would have thought the infamous White Dragon could smile the way you are?'' she comnted.
Malakia turned to the other won and nodded, prompting them to leave the three alone as she stepped forward and softly spoke to Freya. ''I've seen adorable babies, but you're sothing else, little miss. It's a pleasure to et Draconia's first princess.''
A bunch of babbling erupted, making the older woman's smile grow wide as she looked at him. ''Can I give her a Goldenmane baby treat, please? I used to feed Nala them when she was a little girl,'' she asked.
''As long as it brings no harm,'' he replied softly. ''Sia's been giving her breadsticks, and she seems to love gnawing on them. The midwives ntioned it soothes her aching gums, and it's been a small blessing to see her content.''
Malakia listened intently, her blue eyes warm. With a gentle nod, she reached out to brush a few stray strands of Freya's soft, snow-white hair from her face, her touch tender and reassuring.
''That's true, and it's a good redy for her discomfort,'' she said calmly. ''Follow , and I'll fetch you a generous supply of Goldenmane biscuits. They're a favorite among all our cubs, perfectly safe and just the thing to keep Freya happy and ease her teething pains.''
Archer trotted after the lioness, who was striding ahead, her tail flicking playfully. His gaze wandered, noting how she moved like Nala, but with a touch more curve and softness that made her seem all the more huggable.
As they walked, Malakia's gaze sparkled. ''I see that roving eye of yours hasn't changed one bit,'' she teased. ''Word is you've got a soft spot for the older lionesses over their sprightly daughters. A certain Fire Elf spilled all the juicy details about your charming escapades.''
Before he could muster a witty coback, little Freya let out the most adorable giggle, her big, curious eyes sparkling as she peered up at him. Her pointy ears flicked, and his heart lted.
He grinned, leaning down to boop her nose gently. ''What's so funny? Have your mommies been whispering secrets about , hmm?''
Freya's ears twitched again, and she turned her head away with a shy little smirk, her fluffy hair bouncing. He chuckled, giving her soft locks a playful ruffle. ''Oh, keeping secrets, are we, you tiny gremlin? Don't make tickle the truth out of you!''
Following that, he launched a gentle tickle attack, his fingers dancing along Freya's sides. She squealed in delight, her giggles bubbling up like a fountain of joy, filling the air with infectious laughter.
Her tiny arms flailed happily, and she squird in his arms. Malakia turned, her laughter joining in, while the nearby maids paused, their eyes softening at the heartwarming sight of their playful bond.
''Co along, Arch,'' the older woman comnted. ''We don't want you charming all the maids in my palace.''
Archer chuckled and followed the lioness, who was staring at him as she continued. ''You're a great father, not many rulers bother to raise their children, but here you are, bringing the first princess to Avidia.''
''I'd rather spend all my ti with them than rule to be honest,'' he revealed, chuckling. ''I had shitty parents and I won't do that to my daughters.''
As Malakia caught his words, she gave a warm, approving nod as they stepped into a cozy lounge, the air filled with the soft scent of sun-ward herbs and plush cushions scattered invitingly.
With a gentle nudge, the lioness guided him toward a plush, oversized chair that seed to beckon him to sink in. ''Make yourself at ho, handso,'' she purred. ''Rest those paws and relax. I'll fetch those Goldenmane biscuits for you and our little giggle-monster there.''
His brow quirked at her teasing, a grin tugging at his lips, but before he could toss back a clever reply, Malakia sashayed out of the room, her tail giving a cheeky flick as she disappeared.
Left alone with Freya, he settled into the chair, the cushions practically hugging him as he cradled the tiny baby in his arms. Her little nose twitched as she let out a soft, contented coo, making his heart do a happy flip.
''Just you and now, huh, little gremlin?'' he murmured, booping her nose gently, earning a delighted squeak that filled the quiet lounge with warmth.
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