Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 54

Artume

It did not take long before Annabeth returned. Her meeting didn't seem to have planned out as expected. It was easy to see on her face. The deep thoughts concerning Athena. That meant either that Athena found it an atrocious plan or she had plans of her own. Not sure what would be worse.

Annabeth sat within the garden, the grass sparkling as her fingers went through it. Artume didn't hesitate to sit next to her, her head resting on the blond's shoulder. "It didn't go well?"

"I don't know what to classify it as. Something is going to happen."

"Hmm, not by our design I take it."

Annabeth shook her head, a breath of air leaving her as if that would relieve the weight. It didn't seem to work, Artume noted. She leaned forward, nuzzling her nose against her cheek before placing a kiss. "It's going to be fine. Trust me."

"I do trust you, Artume. But I need to keep you safe. You're carrying precious life that we made. I won't see you get harmed. Or let you get caught in the middle of whatever is happening on Olympus."

"Hehe, silly, silly, wife of mine," Artume giggled, pressing herself closer. The blond smiled, touching the growing bulge. It would have been strange to see on a human, Artume is sure of that. But for this child has been growing rapidly within her. In the third week, her stomach was already growing. She wondered how long the Gods take before the delivery date.

"This palace is protected against that. Only Hermes and Iris can enter it with free will. The others all need my permission. I can easily shoo off Hermes. And Iris is a very sweet woman. She won't do anything."

"I suppose. It just concerns me..." Annabeth mumbled as she hummed, laying her head against the stomach. Artume could stop a chuckle from passing her lips as the blond disappeared beneath her stomach. "I wonder when she will start kicking."

"I don't know. This is a first time for me. But it goes faster than humans... perhaps in another three weeks or so?"

"One thing I enjoy about this whole godly situation, I get to hold the baby sooner." Her hands stroked the skin as Artume could feel the warmth tickling into her. She wasn't sure, but she somehow knew it was being felt by the little one. It must be some kind of energy, formed by theirs as it developed into its own kind.

"I can't wait to see you hold her," Artume said warmly.

"Hmm, it feels so warm," Annabeth hummed, her eyes closed as she pressed her head gently on the skin. Artume shook her head briefly. It seems she didn't even hear her. "So comforting..."

"Yes, it is."

"Artume," Annabeth asked, her head peeking out from underneath her bulge. Somehow, it made her look more beautiful, Artume thought. No, not beautiful per se. But it made her love her more. "How many kids do you want?"

"What?" Artume laughed. "I have not even given you one child and you're asking for the second one already?"

"I-I rather be prepared," Annabeth stutters, her cheeks rising with red. "It's, eh, I don't know..."

"You're adorable, Annabeth. And I'll have as many as you want," Artume said, her hand stroking the blond on the cheek. "I always wanted a family. No matter what size, I will try and love them all."