Page 50 of Drakhana's Secret
She pushes a cut of steaming coffee my way and a bowl of her infamous oatmeal. I notice a few vitamin rich barriers mixed in. The kind that expectant mothers eat in our clan to ensure healthy hatchlings.
I raise my eyebrow at her. “It’s as if you already know the result.”
“Dear, I’ve been performing this test for generations. Expectant mothers don’t come to me unless they suspect that they are with child. I believe you are no different.”
She’s actually right. I’ve had a feeling for some time, but I wanted to be certain before I tell Gallant. I don’t want to get his hopes up for nothing. But if things turn out the way Baba and I think they will, the celebration today that’s supposed to be for the new council members will turn into an even bigger party.
I’m in the middle of eating my oats when Baba gets up. I have to force myself not to stand with her. I let her check the results first.
She looks over the dandelion leaves then she faces me. I can’t read her face. I get up from the table and hurry to her side.
The leaves have turned reddish-brown. I clamp my hands over my mouth. Then I throw my arms around Baba as we jump in place.
After giving her a kiss on both cheeks, I hurry back to my house and straight to the room where Gallant has just sat up from the bed. He’s rubbing the last of the sleep from his eyes when he sees me. He scowls.
“I thought you were just going to the bathroom,” he says, clearly annoyed.
I go to him and hug him before sitting on his lap and placing a kiss on his lips. “I did go to the bathroom. I just went to Baba’s house to do it.”
He looks at me skeptically. “And why would you have to do that?”
“Because I wanted to confirm something.” I take his hand and place it flat against my belly.
It takes him a long minute to register what having his hand on my belly means. “Are you saying what I think you’re telling me?”
I nod. “You’re going to be a daddy.”
Gallant stands and carries me with him. He cheers and twirls us in a circle. I laugh. His happiness is so contagious. Then he kisses me for the longest time.
He lays me back on the bed and proceeds to spend most of the early hour to make love to me. I come over and over again beneath his expert ministrations. Now that’s how I like to start the day.
By the time we have bathed, had a proper breakfast, and got dressed, the celebration for the new council members is already well on its way. The party is set to last all day. It also serves as a welcome to the nomads that have integrated themselves into the community.
Gallant and I walk hand in hand, saying our hellos. Along the way, whelps and fledglings come up and give us gifts and hugs. Pretty soon, my hands are overflowing with flowers while Gallant holds bags of candy and handmade presents.
A couple of the adults come to us and relieve us of our offerings. They tell us that they will bring them all to our home. We thank them profusely for their thoughtfulness.
At about midway through the party, Gallant and I stake to the stage. I’m up first. I address everyone and all attention is on me.
“Good day, everyone!” I say.
The gathered dragons nod in acknowledgment and some even wave. The young ones certainly look up adoringly at me. I shower them with a bright loving smile.
“I want to take this moment to thank everyone responsible for putting this grand celebration together.”
A round of applause follow my words.
When the clapping and cheering die down, I continue with, “It’s a beautiful day for a celebration. We are welcoming the nomads that have come home to us and we are uplifting the new council members.”
“We also have a special announcement,” Gallant says, his shoulders puffed out with pride. “Sapphire and I are expecting our first hatchling.”
The applause and the cheering become deafening within the tunnels. I believe it even echoes in here. Gallant takes me in his arms and gives me a kiss in front of everyone. The redoubles the wave of joy that surrounds the entire settlement.
Then I say, “Let the games and festivities commence!”
The party redoubles in enjoyment after that. Everyone seems so happy that the emotion actually crawls over my skin. The energy becomes electric around us.
The women whisk me away while the men go and give their personal congratulations to Gallant. I accept all the good wishes sent my way. The mothers even give me advice on what to eat and what to expect.
