Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 52

Annabeth Chase

Artume had been stroking her stomach quite often in the last few days. Her eyes sparkled like stars, with a bright smile on her lips ever since Juniper revealed what was happening. The sight made her chest warm and her stomach flutter. To think a child would make her so happy. Yet Annabeth worried about them as Kronos rises.

Their safety was on her mind, her family's safety. She may not have anticipated a child so soon, but she would do what she must to ensure it grows up safely. That's one promise she made since she knew. Nothing would hurt them if she had something to say about it.

"Annabeth!" Artume called out to her as she was preparing something to eat for Artume. They didn't have to eat, but given who's growing in Artume, divine food and drink should be consumed regularly. "I think we should call her Chloe. Or would you like Letun?"

Annabeth smiled as she entered their bedchamber, seeing Artume watch her as if she were happiness itself. "It could be a boy, you know."

"I think it will be a girl. With beautiful blond hair like her mother," Artume chuckled as she took the food. "Thank you, love."

"And blue skin like the other mother?"

They both chuckled as they settled together under the blankets. Artume's hands were never far from her stomach, and Annabeth let one of her own hands settle there as well. It was quickly being intertwined and held by Artume.

"Annabeth, thank you."

"For what?" The blond asked, letting her head rest on her woman's shoulder.

"For giving me this, I always wanted a child with the person I loved. Thank you... so much."

"I'm staying, Artume. I won't fade on you. Not now, not in the future."

She turned her gaze away from their hands, looking at the two gray eyes that watched her carefully. "You promise?"

"I promise."

The two remained quiet for a bit, their minds settling on what the future would bring. The future. Annabeth was positive about the future. It would require effort. Plenty of it too. But there was something about it that would make it all worthwhile. She knew it to be true in her heart. Her eyes went to the stomach of Artume again. After all, she was going to be a mother.

"My Lady?" Juniper said through the door after a brief knock.

"Come in, Juniper," Artume said. "We're not naked."

"That was unnecessary information," Annabeth muttered, cheeks rising with a tint of redness.

"We could have been? I may be pregnant, sweetheart, but I can definitely still please you," Artume said, her lips brushing against the ear. The breath tickled her skin. To think it would make me hot and bothered is a first, Annabeth thought to herself.

"Ahem, yes, good to know."

"I find it important information too, dear."

Juniper cleared her throat, making the two look at her. While Artume didn't feel ashamed at all, Annabeth tried to hide her embarrassment by snuggling into Artume. "Yes, Juniper?" Artume asked, not showing a hint of regret.