The Best Present (An ACOTAR fanfiction)

Chapter 38

It had been a few days since we had heard Elder's tale. He had set up a method of communication, using some Arashaak technology. We had already collected some information about the place of attack and approximate time. It was a few weeks off, so we were just waiting for more information. Meanwhile, Rhys and I had been pouring over maps to find a peaceful spot, within our court, for the Arashaak to live. We were doing that right now while the kids were taking a nap. I let my finger drag over the lines and words.

"Rhys," I said, breaking the silence, brow furrowed. "What is all this land to the west of Velaris?" I realized I had never actually been there. I had only been to the mountainous parts. Rhys glanced at where I was pointing.

"That is basically grassy plains, with a few hills and stuff. The land immediately surrounding Velaris," Rhys paused to trace a line with his finger to show me, "was my mom's land. Or what was considered her land. She planted gardens and there are streams and all kinds of things. It's gorgeous during the day, even more so at night. There are a few people who maintain it. I haven't been there in a while. I should probably visit..." Rhys trailed off. I loved the sound of his mother. She had made dresses for me before even knowing who I was. She had planted gardens and created a paradise. She seemed like such an amazing female.

"I would love to come with you sometime," I said smiling. Rhys smiled back. "Maybe Elain would want to be one of the people who maintains the garden. If it's okay with you of course."

"That's a brilliant idea," He said, leaning over to kiss my cheek. "Anyway, the rest of this land is free. Nobody roams through there. I think we found our spot." I grinned, enjoying this moment of peace. "You know, there's a spot I love on your landscape." Rhys raised his eyebrows suggestively, smirking. I stared at him.

"How do you go from being sweet to an absolute prick in about five seconds?" I ask rolling my eyes.

"Come on! You don't think that's a good pick up line?" He whined. I glared at him and got up, going to check on the kids.  I heard Rhys grumbling and rolling up the maps. I poked my head in the kids' room. They were both awake, babbling at each other from their separate cribs. I smiled. They could both easily crawl now, and Rhys and I were eagerly waiting for them to say their first words. It was nearing November, and I couldn't wait for them to experience their first Winter Solstice, and Starfall a few months after that. Rhys and I had seen Starfall last year, but due to my pregnancy, we hadn't thrown a party. Rhys came up behind me and opened the door. They both turned to look at us, their mouths curving into the most adorable smile. They both had a couple teeth now. Rhys walked over to Astria and picked her up, tickling her a bit. She giggled. I turned around to pick up Cayden when a heard something.

"Dada." I spun around, Cayden in my arms. Rhys had a shocked expression on his face.

"Did she just-" I couldn't even finish.

"I think she did," Rhys said, eyes wide.

"Dada," she said again, giggling. Rhys face transformed into a smile.

"That's right, Dada! I'm Dada! Great job Astria! You just said your first word! Can you believe that? She said Dada, Feyre!" Rhys said, excitedly bouncing Astria and gently tossing her into the air while she giggled madly.

"Yeah I heard! It's great! I'm so proud of you Astria!" I said happily. I truly meant it. I was so glad. I looked down as Cayden squirmed in my arms. He looked up at me and stretched his arms towards me.

"Mama," Cayden said. I stared at him. "Mama!" I gasped.

"Yo-you just said Mama! He just said Mama! Both of them in the same day! What a miracle!" I almost shrieked. "Rhysand, he said Mama! Our kids said their first word!"

"I can't believe it! Oh I'm so proud of them!" Rhys said. He came close and we shared a family hug. I wished I could stay in this bubble of happiness forever.

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