Happily ever after? | RAYLLUM |

Part 8~ The Harvest Festival

The sun set over Katolis, casting a warm glow across the castle grounds as the anticipation for the harvest festival filled the air. The festival was set to take place the following day, and preparations were already underway. Callum stood at the balcony of his office, gazing out at the sprawling fields that bordered the kingdom. He could already envision the excitement of the townsfolk gathering, ready to celebrate the bounty of the harvest.

In the courtyard below, King Ezran was directing the setup, his youthful enthusiasm infectious as he coordinated the guards and townsfolk. Amaya and Janai were seen chatting animatedly nearby, laughter spilling into the evening air, while their young son, Cyrus, was running around, his small hands clutching at the grass and flowers that dotted the courtyard.

Callum watched the scene unfold with a mixture of fondness and a twinge of jealousy. He couldn't help but feel a pang in his chest as he observed Cyrus, completely enamored with Rayla. She knelt down to his level, encouraging him to collect the small flowers scattered across the ground, her laughter bright and inviting.

"Looks like you've got some competition," Soren teased, sauntering up to Callum with a mischievous grin. "Cyrus doesn't seem too interested in you right now, does he?"

Callum shot Soren a glare, trying to mask his irritation. "It's just a phase. He's still getting used to all this," he replied, though the hint of jealousy in his tone betrayed him.

Soren chuckled, crossing his arms. "Oh, come on! I've seen the way he looks at her. You should be worried. He's a little heartbreaker in training!"

Callum rolled his eyes, though a small smile crept onto his lips. "As if I'm worried about a three-year-old."

Soren raised an eyebrow. "You should be. He's got charm, and you've seen Rayla with him. It's like she's a second mother."

Rayla looked up at them, her expression shifting from playful to slightly defensive. "I'm just being friendly, Soren. Don't make it weird."

"Sure, sure," Soren said, feigning innocence. "But just wait until he starts calling her 'Mama Rayla.' That'll really get under your skin, won't it, Callum?"

"Enough," Callum said, but the laughter in his voice betrayed him. He couldn't help but feel fondness for both Rayla and Cyrus in that moment.

As twilight deepened, Callum joined the preparations, ensuring everything was ready for the festival. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, mingling with the laughter of children and the chatter of villagers excited for the next day's events.

Rayla remained focused on Cyrus, encouraging him to help with simple tasks. "You can be my little assistant tomorrow," she told him, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Let's pick out the prettiest flowers for the decorations."

Callum watched them with an aching heart, filled with a mix of admiration and protectiveness. He stepped closer, wanting to join in, but hesitated as he took in the sweet sight of Rayla guiding Cyrus. For a moment, he entertained the thought of what it would be like to have a family of their own, to share these simple joys together.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows, the excitement for the festival hung thick in the air. Families began to settle in for the night, dreaming of the festivities to come, while Callum stood back, lost in thought about the joy and challenges that awaited them all.

Tomorrow would mark a day of celebration, community, and hope-a bright contrast to the shadows that loomed in the past. For now, he cherished the moments spent with Rayla, the laughter of children, and the promise of a brighter future.

As Rayla returned from the supply tent, a box of colorful decorations balanced in one hand, she held tightly to the finger of Cyrus with her free hand. He beamed up at her, his small face filled with excitement as he eagerly skipped alongside her. Nearby, Janai and Amaya shared a quiet moment, thankful for the bit of solitude. Amaya, her short messy black hair catching the evening breeze, communicated through playful gestures, a smile lighting her face as she exchanged glances with Janai.