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Vyn watched Adahlia quietly at the piano. His daughter's head was bent forward in concentration, her eyes closed. Had anyone looked in, they likely would've thought her sad. She certainly looked like a lonely child from the movies with nothing more than the piano in the grand room. No toys, decorations, or anything else. He smiled. But then, they simply gave way to the fact that they knew nothing of her. Adahlia was a rather dramatic seven, soon to be eight, year old. She declared early on in her lessons that such things were 'distractions' and that she didn't want them. Under her careful guidance, everything was moved to a different location in the house. After confirming the time, Vyn slowly raised his hand and knocked on the door.
"Adahlia," her motions stopped and her head swung over to him. He knew she wouldn't be able to hear him, just as he couldn't hear inside. But he spoke it anyways. "Time for bed, darling." Her golden eyes watched him through the window, blinking slowly. He shook his head at her unspoken question. He'd given her as much time as he could afford to. Her tiny shoulders sagged as she gathered up her folder and slipped off the piano bench. The door opened and she accepted her father's outstretched hand. "How did it go?" Their footsteps barely made any noise on the marble flooring of the hallway. She'd been playing the instrument for nearly two years now and decided it was time for her to try something new. While she did so, she'd forbidden her father from entering while she practiced.
"It's o-kay. I managed to connect the parts I wanted." The piano instructor had suggested Adahlia attempt a Frankenstein, in which a player stitched together notes, rhythms, and the like from other songs into one new song. It was a good way to be creative without having the pressure of making something from scratch. It also showed how well a student understood the songs they were playing as well as music itself. Not one to back down from a challenge, she'd accepted the assignment. Vyn, however, had ruled that she could only do so after the rest of her classwork was completed. Thus, she mostly worked before bed.
"I'm glad. You've been stuck on that particular part for over a week now." It wasn't meant to sound negative or arrogant, but it was unusual for her to struggle with the instrument. But that only proved to him how good of an assignment this was for her. He made a mental note to give her tutor a raise. A smile broke out on her normally serious looking face. It seemed his daughter had inherited his cold, resting face.
"I knew I could do it." She murmured. And he knew how pleased she was with her progress.
Normally, Adahlia had a nanny to help her during the day while Vyn was at work. But at night, he took to caring for her before bed. Now, it was very rare for him to miss tucking her in. As she curled up, hugging a soft plush white owl, she gazed up at him sleepily.
"Tell me about the stars, Daddy." Vyn's smile was a little sad as he held her close, kissing the top of her forehead. It was what she always asked for. At first, he'd read normal bedtime stories to her. But when she came of the age to ask about her mother, Vyn did his best to explain death to her. At last, he ended up telling her that her mother would be watching from the stars. While he knew she didn't truly believe that, her fascination with the night sky hadn't faded. With a soft sigh, he relented. By now, he'd needed to ask around for more information. It was unfortunate for him that her memory was so sharp. He couldn't get away with telling her the same thing in a week. If she was feeling generous, she would accept repeat information after a month's time. But, in the process Vyn had learned a great deal about them too. Something he likely wouldn't have before. For that, he thanked his beloved wife.
"Well, do you know the story of the wolf of Skadi?" Adahlia's eyes slowly closed as she murmured a 'no'. Snuggling closer, Vyn stroked her soft hair gently as he described the story of the two wolves who hunted the sun and the moon.
~~~
Once assured his daughter was sleeping soundly, Vyn exited the room. Letting out a long sigh, he glanced at his phone and the missed call. Strolling back to his office, he clicked the name and held the phone up to his ear.
"You called?"
"Did you receive it?" There was no greeting between them.
"I did. Thank you, I'm sure she'll be very happy with it."
"You didn't open it, did you?"
"Of course not. But I know whatever it is, she'll like it." Vyn paused before quietly adding, "because it's a gift from her beloved grandfather." There was a stretch of silence on the other end before an equally soft response came.
"Do you still insist I not come in person?"
"Please." He didn't want his daughter caught up in the life he'd grown up in by relation to his father. Originally, he hadn't even wanted Eirik to know of Adahlia's existence, but Rosa had insisted that his parents had the right to know. In truth, he was glad that she'd done so. It made it easier on him when she passed and he was forced to raise her. At first, his parents had been understanding. Although they didn't like it. But even now, almost eight years later, and Vyn still didn't want his father putting her at risk. Of course, his daughter knew of her grandparents. He was grateful that she didn't push meeting them in person. He hated denying her anything. But, above all else, he didn't want to deny her the chance he never got. To grow up in a normal life. When she was older, old enough to truly understand what it meant to have the Duke Haspran as a relative, he would allow it.
"Very well then," Eirik sighed and Vyn could hear the disappointment in his voice. "Well, be sure to record her reaction when she does open it."
"Of course. Was that all?" A moment of hesitation later and Eirik spoke again.
"Albert.. I know you wish the best for Adahlia, but it's also the anniversary of-" Knowing where this was going, Vyn cut the conversation off.
"Thank you for your concern, Father. But I will be alright. Please, have a good night." Without waiting for an answer, he hung up. Now at his office, Vyn slipped inside and pulled down a locked box from the behind the bookshelf. Inhaling deeply, he slowly opened it. Nestled inside were precious memories. Jewelry, pictures, messages. Of their life together. Of her. Settling in the chair, Vyn slowly sifted through them. His fingers trembled.
Because while tomorrow was the birthday of his precious daughter, it was also the death day of his beloved wife.
---
Vyn paced the hall of the hospital. His normally calm exterior was crumbling as the seconds ticked by. Minutes. Hours. While he wasn't a medical doctor, he knew that a birthing should not have lasted as long as Rosa's was. He wanted to know what was happening. Was she alright? The door opened and Vyn practically pounced on the doctor coming out.
"What's happening?" The grim look on her face sent Vyn's heart plummeting into his stomach.
"She's refused a c-section, Dr. Richter." The doctor informed him bluntly. "It's.. it's best if you join her now." There was no need for her to tell him twice. He rushed into the room and to her side. The sight that greeted him... Rosa was pale and covered in sweat and blood. Her breathing was labored. The nurses and doctors stepped away to give them space.
"Rosa?" Vyn finally managed to choke out her name. He knelt beside her. Her eyes were dull, but she turned towards the sound of his voice.
"Vyn?" She croaked and he held her hand. It was trembling. His own stopped as it held hers. As if knowing at least one of them needed to be strong.
"They told me you refused the operation.. Why?"
"She's.. she's not strong enough." Rosa took a moment to respond. It was clear speaking was difficult for her. He leaned down so that way he could hear her better. "The doctors.. the odds of both of us surviving.. Low... too low.... And I... I'm already..." Vyn's heart siezed.
"No, you can't be. Rosa, my love. You have to- you have to-" Her hand brushed against his cheek.
"My love," those words silenced him and he choked back a sob. "Please, for me. For her. For us. I'm.. sorry. I know.. decisions.. like.. together... but I... I can't bear... our baby..." As her words trailed off and her hand slowly fell, Vyn caught it.
"Rosa!" her breathing slowed and the nurses rushed forward once more. Vyn swallowed hard as they surrounded her lower half, pulling a bloody mess from it. After cleaning it, tubes and chords were quickly connected and he realized that that was their daughter. Holding his breath, he watched them work. After what felt like an eternity, the bundle moved. Slowly, the nurse holding his daughter moved towards him. Vyn trembled as he held his daughter in his arms for the first time. There were no words from him. His gaze flipped between his daughter, breathing heavily, and his wife, not breathing at all.
Rosa was gone.
She chose their daughter.
---
Resurfacing from the memories, Vyn shuddered as he inhaled deeply. Touching his face, he realized tears were falling down the sides. He never managed to stop them. And he knew, deep down, that he really didn't want to. When Rosa had first died, he'd worried that he would grow to resent their daughter. Secretly blaming her for her mother's death. But that had yet to pass. And Vyn also knew that it never would. The fear had been silly to begin with. But now, now he never wanted Adahlia to ever believe he did. To know that the thought had crossed his mind. It was why he only ever allowed himself to relive that day in private. He would protect their daughter's innocence for as long as possible.
Leaning back, he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. In. Out. In. Out. 1.. 2.. 3.. 4.. As it came under control, his eyes opened again and spotted the box on his desk. He could only imagine how many channels his father had had to go through to ensure it arrived in complete secrecy. If their enemies ever discovered Adahlia... there'd be no going back. Still, curiosity got the best of him. He gave the neatly wrapped gift a shake. Nothing seemed to rattle inside. But it was large. It'd probably been packed tightly. He could only guess what it was.
---
The incessant ringing of his phone irritated him. Vyn glared at the caller ID. Adahlia's eyes opened and met his in the mirror.
"Who is it, Daddy?" He gave her a gentle smile.
"No one, darling."
"It doesn't sound like no one..." He merely shook his head as he finished brushing through her soft hair, setting the hairbrush on the dresser.
"Don't worry about it. What bedtime story would you like tonight?" As she crawled into bed, the phone went off again.
"Answer it, Daddy. I can wait." Vyn was about to refuse, but the look from his daughter told him otherwise. His shoulders sagged.
"Alright then. I'll be back soon, okay?" Stepping outside her bedroom, Vyn wandered down the hallway to ensure his nosy daughter wasn't listening in as he accepted the call.
"What?"
"Finally." The short responses were common between the two.
"Why are you calling me?"
"I only want to know what my granddaughter wants for her birthday." Vyn stiffened.
"Adahlia wants for nothing." He replied coldly. There was a snort from the other side.
"Fine then. What does she like?"
"That doesn't conc-"
"Of course it concerns me." The voice snapped back. "You refuse to let me to see her. I will not allow you to lead her to believe I do not wish to." The fight left Vyn and he sighed. Pressing his lips together, he responded at last.
"She likes the stars. And the piano."
"Very well." There were no goodbyes between them either. Such was a waste. Feeling a little guilty at trying to keep Eirik from Adahlia, Vyn returned to her.
---
Eirik's first gift to Adahlia had been a piano inspired bracelet engraved with her name. She wore it still today. Vyn had nearly missed it, it was so well hidden when it arrived on his estate. But the moment he saw the little box he knew it was for her. She'd been awed and delighted by the jewelry. Even now, when she was nervous, she had a tendency to slowly press down on the keys as if she were playing the real thing. The second gift had been a state of the art telescope. The two had spent many nights after looking at the stars.
Glancing at the time, Vyn noted how late it was. Locking the treasure box, he returned it to the shelf before heading to bed.
~~~
"Happy birthday, Lady Richter!" The house staff cheered as the party poppers went off. Adahlia's normally blank face broke into a smile as she gazed at all of the well wishers. In actuality, she tended to have two 'parties'. One of which was at home with only Vyn and the staff. The other would be elsewhere, off the property, where her friends and other parents were invited. In the beginning it had been the only way Vyn could make it through the day with his composure in tact what with everybody expressing their sympathy, and pity, for Rosa's death on Adahlia's birthday when he didn't want to think about it. There was a time and place to grieve. Other parents also liked to voice their unwanted opinions about parenting to him. As if they believed he couldn't do it. But after the first couple years of enjoying the private event for her actual birthday, Adahlia hadn't wanted to stop. And Vyn was never one to deny her anything if he could give it to her.
"Thank you, everyone." She beamed and her golden eyes glowed. Of course, Vyn always thought his daughter looked adorable. But she was extra cute today in a blue dress. A black bow was tied around her waist and her long, silver hair was braided with blue and black ribbons. Seeing that smile, he was struck by a pang in his heart. While her hair and eye color doubtlessly came from him, Adahlia was Rosa's likeness everywhere else. From her round eyes to her small nose. Her short stature, the way she carried herself. With that cheery smile, he was reminded once again of the resemblance between the two. It hurt. But it was also... strangely comforting. To see his wife in their daughter.
The applause began again as she blew out the candles. The cake was small in comparison, they were a small company after all and most adults preferred not to eat sweets before bed. In addition, while Vyn indulged his daughter in a great deal, her health was one of few things he wouldn't budge on. Once the red velvet cake was sliced and distributed to those present, there was nothing left. Adahlia munched happily. She had also inherited Rosa's sweet tooth.
The staff always decided together on a gift for her. This year, they presented her with a 50,000 piece puzzle featuring the seven wonders of the world. Vyn scratched his chin thoughtfully, wondering if they had the space for such a venture. The head butler noticed and winked. He chuckled and shook his head before handing his daughter his own gift. He'd opted for a new pair of soft slippers for her to wear. Adahlia had a tendency to go through them she wore them so often. She was also still growing. Delighted, she immediately swapped them with her current pair. Holding out her feet for her father to see, she wiggled the toes.
"A perfect fit, as usual Daddy." Vyn smiled. Then she gazed up at him expectantly and he let out an internal sigh. Of course she'd learned by now... Ducking out of the room quickly, he returned with the gift box. Her eyes glittering, she held her tiny hands out to accept the gift. Carefully, she undid the wrapping paper. "It's a... globe?" She turned the sphere that she pulled out of the box in her hands slowly. Vyn frowned slightly. That didn't seem quite right. Further down was a heavy stand as well as a set of slides. As he examined the components, it clicked in his mind what it was. Clapping his hands loudly, the lights in the dining room shut off. "Daddy?"
"May I, darling?" He held out his hands. She passed the item over to him. Carefully setting it up, Vyn turned the projector on. Instantly, the room flooded with stars. The staff ooh'ed and aah'ed. Adahlia let out a squeal of excitement. She slipped off her chair and ran to the wall where the nearest dot was.
"This is part of the big dipper! And- And-" following down the line, she pointed at another dot. "the little dipper!" Her voice rose as she named more and more constellations. There was another shout of delight as a light shot across the 'sky'. "A shooting star! Ooh." Folding her hands in front of her, she closed her eyes and tilted her head forward. Vyn smiled, wondering what his daughter was wishing for. Even if the star itself wasn't real, he would try to make it come true.
They flipped through the other slides. All of them were constellations from different parts of the world. That night, it took Adahlia a little longer to fall asleep. As her back slowly rose and fell, Vyn brushed his hand against her head.
"Sleep well, darling. Happy birthday." Whatever his daughter wanted to do in the future, he would be there.
He hoped she knew to reach for the stars.