When Blindfolds Fall

23: The Aspen Family

At the fresh crack of sunset, and only one day away from tying the knot, Viktor and Josiah got ready to begin their journey to one of the most luxurious places in the kingdom of Lamia.

Koeur-Krown was a province situated in the middle of the vampire territory and known as the capital of wealth. All the most expensive and prestigious venues were located there, and the region was only short a few cents from surpassing the castle in terms of riches.

While Josiah was not born there, he lived his entire life in the rich region until he was old enough to work as the next ambassador to the king.

"Blimey, it's been 1,573 years since I last came back to Koeur-Krown!" Josiah gasped as he sat in the chariot with Viktor.

"Luna above, that long??" Viktor said genuinely amazed before taking a sip of water.

"Yes. I moved out of my home when I was 130, shortly after I married Gwyneth. Well, I only came back one time for Beth's wedding, but I was only there for the ceremony. I didn't stay longer than that. It's the first time in centuries I'll go back to visit my home."

"Well, if your father doesn't end up hating me, I'd be more than happy to accompany you on more visits."

"Oh thank you Viktor, that means a lot to me! You know, when we have a baby, we should really bring them with us to visit!"

Viktor wasn't expecting that comment and it showed by the way he struggled to keep his water from spraying out of his mouth.

He found a napkin in the cabin to wipe his mouth and hand with, but he still coughed as he questioned:

"When we have a baby??"

"Yes. We've been trying for a baby this whole time, right?" Josiah blinked, confused by his mate's reaction.

"Oh . . . yeah. I must have forgotten about that."

"You forgot? I thought we talked it out, and even made a plan."

"Yeah, about that . . . You'll have to forgive me Josiah, I thought that was an in-the-heat-of-the-moment kind of talk. I didn't think you were still hanging on to it."

Viktor looked up at Josiah and felt remorse as soon as he saw the frown on his face. Truth be told, Viktor does much better when it comes to comforting Josiah when he cries, but when he's angry?

Well, the doctor is less than useless.

"You didn't take me seriously?" Josiah demanded, keeping his stern gaze on Viktor. "You think I joke about wanting to start a family with every guy I meet?!"

"No! That's not what I meant love, I--"

"I was not joking nor spewing dirty talk on you Viktor! I was serious! I want a baby with you, I want a family! Am I not a worthy parent for you?!"

"No, you are baby, I just thought--OW!"

The carriage violently jolted all of a sudden as it rolled over a sharp rock on the road. The sudden movement caused Viktor to bump his head on the roof of it, so he winced as he held it.

"You deserved that." Josiah crossed his arms and one leg as he harrumphed indignantly.

"Josiah," Viktor sighed and knelt in front of him, trying to pry his legs apart. "Come on Josiah, please forgive me. Despite not having taken you seriously before, I promise to take you seriously from now on. I just didn't really want to seriously try to have one, but if it's that important to you, I'll do it."

Josiah didn't reply, nor did he spare Viktor a look. He simply kept his angry pout and looked the other way, still uncrossing his arms and legs. Viktor was starting to get irritated, so he put his hands on Josiah's knees again as he warned: