Forever, You Are My Star

Chapter 26: The Gift For A Queen

To say that San and the rest of the crew were nervous and anxious all throughout Mey's pregnancy would be an understatement. Hongjoong refused for her to go on any missions, Seonghwa insisted on daily checkups, San kept her in their cabin most of their trips. If she even picked up a pistol, Yunho and Mingi were quick to grab it from her, and Wooyoung would gently take her off the rigging if she started to climb. Yeosang wouldn't even let her cook in fear she would hurt herself or the baby. The only thing she could do was sing with Jongho, which always cheered her up. It has now been a little over two years, and Mey and San's little bundle of joy was now born into the world. He was now a month old and thriving aboard the STAR. The STAR and CHARMER were now heading to Seros to visit Mey's godparents since it had been quite sometime since she had seen them; since Mey and San got married in fact. Mey was so excited to introduce them to her son. Hongjoong ordered for them to anchor a little outside of the bay as Seros was now under heavy guard according to Felix who sent them a letter. Mey's father had now marked a trading route through Seros and put Commander Penn in charge which meant he would be there more often. The boys lowered the small boats into the water and helped Mey down then gave her the baby. Once they started rowing to a small section away from Seros, Mey started to become nervous. San, who was sitting by her, wrapped his arm around her waist, giving her a smile. Mey smiled back and watched as San then looked lovingly down at his son. He had only been a father for one month, but he was already proving how much he loved their son. Mey couldn't have asked for better. They finally pulled into the small dock located outside of town and cautiously made their way towards Soowon's and Lin's. Even though it was close to evening, the sun was still very high in the sky so they had plenty of time to reach their house before dark. They finally arrived at the front of the store and looked inside to see Soowon and Lin making more jewelry to sell. Hongjoong opened the door, letting the others go in before him. When Soowon and Lin looked up and saw them, they became overjoyed and went to greet them.

     "It's so great to see you, boys. San, how's my goddaughter?" Lin asked greeting San with a hug.

     "She's doing amazing. In fact, she has a surprise for the both of you." Lin looked over at Soowon who was in the middle of greeting Han and I.N. San went to the door once again and opened it for Mey who was waiting patiently outside. Once she walked in holding her child, Lin and Soowon felt their hearts over fill with joy. Mey slowly walked up to them with a bright smile across her face carefully holding her child as she walked. Lin felt as though she would cry.

     "Would you like to hold him?" Mey asked directly to Lin. Lin just gave a nod as a few sobs slipped from her mouth. She took the tiny one in her arms as Soowon gently placed a hand on the little one's head.

    "You have given him a name?" Soowon asked quietly. Mey gave a nod as San slipped an arm around her waist.

     "His name is Taeyoung." Mey replied as Soowon smiled down at him.

     "A handsome name for a handsome young man." Evening slowly crept onto them as they all kept talking long into the night. Lin and Soowon wanted to know all about Mey's journeys and the many things she had seen while the boys helped clean up around the shop and house, and bought supplies in town, taking them back to the ship. Seungmin, Changbin, and I.N stayed back with Mey and little Tae as to protect her and keep her company. While Lin watched over Tae as she slept in a spare bedroom, Soowon took Mey to a small hut located just out back of the house. Once he opened it, he lit a small lantern, revealing the dust and dirt build up. This place hasn't been stepped into for years. Soowon went to the far back and started to pry a piece of wood from the floorboards. When he returned to Mey, who was still standing in the door way, she saw he was now carrying a small, wooden box.

    "Mey, you have grown much since you were young. You remind me so much of your mother that sometimes I see her instead of you. Your mother was a great woman with a kind soul; she was the greatest queen Barranor could have ever asked for. She knew when she had you, however, that life was something that you did not want. Before she died, she gave this to me for safe keeping. Told me that when you were ready to give it to you. I know now you are ready." Soowon then handed Mey the box who gave him a confused look. She looked down at the small box in her hands and took a deep breath before opening it. Inside was a beautiful sapphire stone in the shape of a star; a shape that matched her necklace her mother gave her exactly. She took the stone in her hand and examined it closely. It was so beautiful, almost like a star fell from the heavens above. Mey then looked at Soowon with another confused stare.