The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

23- I'd come for you

By now you'd know that I'd come for you

No one but you, yes, I'd come for you

But only if you told me to

And I'd fight for you

By Nickelback

Andrew POV 

Sophie had come and sat down next to Nate, and they were chatting in hushed tones, a knowing smile on their lips. Margaret, still fascinated by Diana's mother's magic, kept asking her for more tricks, now with Diana's help.

The rest of the day passed in good spirits. Andrew took time out before dinner to go for a family walk in the countryside. This evening, he would talk to Camille. She was already aware of the tensions between the species and understood the dangers, but a little extra security, just in case, was necessary.

When evening fell, Andrew and Camille sat on the balcony, the cool air blowing through them. Celeste was sleeping peacefully. The atmosphere was conducive to conversation.

- You look pensive, Andrew, Camille observed, her gaze piercing his. What's the matter?

Andrew hesitated for a moment, then decided not to beat about the bush.

- I spoke to Marcus today. I asked him to join the knights.

Camille looked at him, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. She was silent for a moment, taking the time to digest the information.

- The knights... You mean officially?' she asked softly, as if to make sure she had understood correctly.

- Yes, replied Andrew, shaking his head. I want to make sure that you and Celeste are protected. There are still tensions and dangers lurking, and I don't want to leave anything to chance. The knights can provide an extra layer of security. And... I can help them too.

- I know the conflicts haven't been resolved, do you think they will flare up again?

- The covent works but there is still the possibly of a change. Some wizards are still in the Stone Age and don't even want family relations between wizards and humans.

- I understand,' she finally said. But... I'm worried about you. I know you can defend yourself, but I don't want to be in danger.

- I know, Camille, and believe me, it's the first thing I think of. But... I can't stand by and do nothing when I know what's going on behind the scenes. You know as well as I do that peace is fragile.

Camille nodded.

- I'm looking out for us. And I'll be careful, just in case. Always.

She nodded. There was silence. Andrew could see a lingering gleam of concern in her eyes. He felt guilty for making her worry, even though he knew his intentions were good. Everything he did, he did for them, for their safety. Yet part of him knew that this life of constant danger was not what he had imagined for their family. Andrew turned his head slightly to look at her. She was so close, sitting there next to him, but an invisible distance had grown between them. Friends, parents...

As he watched her, his thoughts wandered in spite of himself. He found himself wanting to kiss her, feeling the need to rediscover the intimacy they had shared before everything got so complicated. Before the lies, the secrets and the choices he now regretted.

He remembered the early days, the moments when everything seemed so simple, when they laughed together without a shadow over their happiness. But he had ruined everything. He'd hurt her by hiding the truth, and now it wasn't the same. Camille was no longer in love with him, if she ever had been, he knew it.

Andrew lowered his eyes, refusing to be swept away by his desires. He couldn't afford to push her, not after everything he'd put her through. He had to respect the distance she had put between them, even if it hurt.

- It's been a lovely day,' he said finally, breaking the silence. Celeste loved playing with everyone, and seeing Margaret so curious... it was fun. She's grown up so much.

Camille smiled slightly at this mention, but Andrew could still see a certain restraint in her eyes.

- Yes, Margaret is lovely,' she replied softly. Free and curious.

They continued to talk about the day, but something remained unresolved. Andrew, despite his desire to find Camille fully, knew that trust, once broken, was difficult to repair. All he could do now was enjoying their family. He was lucky to have her.

Andrew sat with Camille for a while, talking about the day, but he could feel the fatigue setting in. He was looking after her tonight. After saying good night, he tiptoed back to his room. Celeste was sleeping peacefully, not a care in the world.

A few hours later, Andrew woke up to Celeste's little grunts through the baby monitor. He blinked, feeling the heaviness of sleep, but sat up quickly. He knew it wouldn't be long before she cried if she didn't go back to sleep. He turned round on the bed and Celeste was waving her little arms, clearly uncomfortable. Andrew took her in his arms, noticing the unmistakable smell. He smiled gently.

- I see what's wrong,' he said in a low voice as he laid her on a blanket.

He changed her nappy with his usual movements albeit a little slower because of his tiredness. Celeste was fidgeting slightly, grunting more and more. Andrew reassured her by talking softly to her, but he knew she was probably hungry too. Once she was changed, he took her against him and gave her the bottle. Celeste grabbed the teat without hesitation, drinking with a greed that made Andrew smile.

- Oh, you're hungry, sweetheart. He murmured.

After feeding her, he began to walk softly around the room, rocking her to soothe her. But tonight Celeste seemed grumpier than usual, squirming in his arms despite her obvious tiredness. Andrew sighed softly, but kept walking, rocking her gently, murmuring soothing words.

In his pyjamas, he set off to explore the castle, walking as normal. He walked to the kitchen, passing Phoebe, taking a blood bag out of the fridge.

- Keeping busy, she whispered, giving him an amused smile.

- 'Celeste decided it was an active night, I guess. She's a bit grumpy tonight.

Phoebe looked at the little one in her arms.

- If you or Camille need anything, we can take her for the night or the day for a bit, for a break or to sleep.

Andrew smiled :

- Thank you. It's tiring, but... honestly, I love it. Even on nights like this.

Phoebe nodded, a knowing smile on her face.

- The offer still stands, if you change your mind. Good luck getting her back to bed, she said with a wink before leaving the kitchen.

Andrew stood there for a moment, watching Phoebe walk away, then resumed his walk, Celeste finally calming down. Andrew closed his eyes and drifted off into a light sleep, lulled by the thought of Celeste asleep beside him.