Page 24 of Luna

Chapter Twelve

KOLE

Kole gritted his teethas his mate crushed the bones in his hand. “Breathe, my mate.”

Luna’s mother, Queen Terrane, along with her sisters, Sahara, and Palma circulated like bees busying themselves for the imminent delivery. Word that Kole’s mate labored to bring their offspring into the world roused all of Kelvinia. A knock sounded at the door. The ice hinges protested as Cindra entered with Celso, carrying a large cistern with boiling water.

“We bring fresh clothes and heated pads for your aches,” Cindra said, placing them at the bedside.

“Many thanks,” Kole acknowledged their gift for what it was, support of his mating, his female. Since coming to Kelvinia, his brother’s mate had served as Luna’s friend and confidante, for which Kole was grateful. The icelands of Kelvinia held much appeal for his Luna, even more so when the attention this pregnancy had garnered for earth elemental females and ice warriors.

Aspen close on their heel, handed over a bundle of supplies. “The Queen Mother bids you well, brother,” he said, before walking over to whisper something in Palma’s ear.

Feminine laughter sounded, and then the scent of green foliage and fresh blooms filled the air. Warmth spread through Kole’s chilled veins at his brother's obvious attraction to young Palma. Kole held his mate close, suspecting Aspen would be the next to secure a female.

“Eee,” Luna groaned, clutching his hand. “It hurts.”

“Once more, my Luna. Push,” he urged, offering what little support he could.

At the sound of Luna’s distress, rumbling vibrated beyond closed door that separated the chamber from the rest of the castle. Earth elementals, including King Turf, who refused to acknowledge Kole as his son-through-mating, and the Elemis Council lined the stairs leading to their sleep chamber. With Ambassador Clod’s deeds fully exposed, Kole had been exonerated of the charges levied against him. News that his seed had taken root through an inter-elemental mating buoyed his sway with the council leaders. Indeed, all the four sectors anxiously awaited the arrival of the first babe born in more than fourteen seasons. Rumors of ice warriors’ potency abounded as much as the earth elementals fertility.

Much information had transferred hands since their mating six moons ago. Healers from distant shores arrived to chronicle Luna’s nourishment, weight, her sleep. One had even tried to handle Kole’s testicles. After Kole promised to sever the male’s genitals with his own blade, the constant badgering stopped... for a time.

“Kole.” Luna squeezed her eyes shut and screamed, “The babe, it comes!”

Tears sprang to Kole’s eyes as a wiggling bundle with glowing limbs pushed free of Luna’s body. Little arms flailed and a great wail bounded from his son’s chest.

Though the moon’s light generally pales in comparison with the sun’s, bursts of multicolored beams sparkled all around them.

“What magic is this?” his brothers asked in unison.

Kole smiled at the visible evidence of Luna’s happiness. "Tis a moonbow, as my Luna is well-pleased.”

“Our babe, he is beautiful, mate,” Kole said holding his offspring, his tiny fingers, chilly to the touch.

Luna opened her arms to them both. Kole humbled himself at his mate’s side, happier than the goddess should allow one male. “As are you, ice warrior of mine.”

The door to sleep alcove burst open, the grand chamber shrinking as the crowd grew. King Turf lumbered forward. Kole rose to his full height, ready to protect his family. The royal had been stubborn, reluctant to visit during Luna’s short gestation.

“Father.” Luna beamed, struggling to sit up with the babe to her breast.

“Thank the goddess, you came to reconcile with your daughter and her mate.” the Queen sighed, rushing to his side.

“The goddess has blessed this mating with her own hand and my royal bloodline,” the king proclaimed, his voice heralding and haute. “My grand offspring has ushered in an unprecedented future for the elementals of new earth. As such, the Elemis Council has sanctioned an inter-elemental mate exchange program.” The king’s eyes settled on his daughters. “Sahara and Palma, gather your things. You are to be mated to elemental males of my choosing within the next moon cycle.”

In a flash, Aspen stood toe to toe with the earth elemental king.

Palma gasped. The laughter of minutes before a dissipated vapor. “Aspen, stop.”

King Turf braced thick arms across his broad chest. “You dare approach me, Prince Aspen.”

“Indeed, I do, ole’ great king.”

Though the words offered deference to the earth elemental king’s authority, his brother’s stance emanated power and dominion.

“My king,” Palma quickly bowed before her ruler, her curtsy graceful. “Father,” she lowered her eyes in respect, please do not do this.”

King Turf’s expression softened. He placed one hand upon his daughter’s bowed head and then looked Aspen in the eyes. “It is done.”