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Annette was sitting up in bed, covered by several blankets. Only 5 days had passed since the birth of her first child. The labor was difficult, lasting a little over 48 hours. In order to ensure a full recovery, Cécile and the midwife had placed Annette on strict bedrest. Annette felt both exhausted and restless, but she knew that it was vital for both her body and soul to recuperate. She trusted the family around her to take care of her and the baby. Cécile and the midwife drew Annette sitz baths and made her tea every day.
And Richter… Annette’s beloved Richter. He had taken over most childcare duties since Annette had been placed on bedrest, only giving her the baby when it was time to feed. Richter was trying to do his best by his “goddess of a wife” and “beautiful little princess” as he affectionately called them. Annette closed her eyes and smiled as she thought about them, her Belmont and her new daughter.
Richter entered the room at that moment, holding the baby tightly against his chest.
“She finally pooped!” Richter announced in a singsong voice, a big grin on his face. Annette looked at his proud expression and snorted.
“You seem more pleased about that than she does.” Annette teased, eyes moving to the bundle Richter was holding. The baby yawned and blinked.
“Well, it’s been a few hours! I was getting worried,” Richter said playfully as he tapped the baby’s nose with his index finger. “I need to make sure our little Ileara is comfortable.”
Ileara Belmont. That was what Annette and Richter had decided to name their child. As soon as Ileara was born, she cried fiercely, announcing to the whole world that she had arrived. Richter commented that she had a healthy pair of lungs, and Annette remembered an ancestor by the name of Ileara. “The healthy child.” Annette thought the name suited her little girl.
Annette smiled softly as she looked at her husband and daughter. Richter was staring at Ileara with absolute adoration, completely mesmerized.
“Can I hold her?” Annette requested, holding her arms out. Richter looked up and suddenly remembered where he was.
“Oh! Yeah! Of course you can! I mean she’s your baby too after all. Maybe moreso yours than mine. Definitely moreso yours than mine. You carried her inside of you for 9 months. I couldn’t have done that. I mean I would have if it were possible, in order to help you out. I wonder if there’s a spell somewhere that could make me-“
“Richter.” Annette interrupted as she held her arms out even further. Richter looked sheepish.
“Right, sorry!” Richter carefully placed the little girl in her mother’s arms. Annette laid Ileara against her chest and gently rested her chin on the baby’s head.
“Hello, ti cheri,” Annette crooned. “Did you bond with your papa today?”
Richter walked to the other side of the bed and examined the blankets covering Annette. “Are you warm enough? Cécile and the midwife said it was really important for you and the baby to stay warm.”
Annette chuckled softly. Richter had constantly asked after her comfort since Ileara was born, very much like a mother hen. Annette found it endearing. “Yes, I’m warm. But I wouldn’t mind if a certain Belmont joined us in bed and made us warmer with his magic.”
Richter was only too happy to oblige. He crawled into bed next to Annette and wrapped his strong muscled arms around her in a tight embrace. Annette melted into his touch and hummed. Richter’s eyes went to his daughter once again. The baby had inherited her mother’s deep brown skin and her father’s big blue eyes.
“She’s amazing, Annette,” Richter said in awe. “She’s only 5 days old but she’s just so… amazing. I’ve never felt a love like this before.”
“Neither have I,” Annette agreed, also admiring her baby. “My sweet baby Ileara. This must be the love my mother felt when I was first born.”
“Mine too.” Richter replied, tightening his hug around Annette. He suddenly looked away, feeling a little downtrodden. Annette felt the shift in energy and turned to him.
“What is it?” she asked with concern.
Richter thought about his next words carefully. “It’s just… I don’t want Ileara to feel pressured. Being a Belmont is a heavy weight to bear. My entire life, I always felt like I had to prove myself worthy enough to carry the Belmont name. I want Ileara to be connected to her family history, but I don’t want her to feel like she needs to be something she isn’t. I want her to be herself. I just want her to be happy.”
Annette nodded, understanding completely. “I’ve thought about that too. I’m literally descended from gods. My ancestry is filled with healers and warriors, priestesses and spellcasters. So many amazing people came before Ileara, but it is a lot.”
“So much history in such a little girl…” Richter said thoughtfully.
“But Ileara won’t feel pressured because we won’t pressure her,” Annette said resolutely. “We will teach her about her ancestors. We’ll tell her everything she needs to know about their strengths and hardships, their successes and missteps. She will carry those who came before her in her heart, but first and foremost, she will be her own wonderful self. And we can guide her on that journey. Together.”
Annette looked down at Ileara and saw that she had fallen fast asleep. Annette could feel the baby’s slow and even breaths against her chest.
“Our ancestors are watching over her, always watching over her,” Annette continued as she stroked the baby’s head. “No matter what she decides to do with the gift of life, Ileara will always have the love and protection of her ancestors. And she’ll have ours too. That’s why I’m not too worried.”
Richter considered Annette’s words seriously. He eventually nodded and pressed a soft kiss to Annette’s temple. “How did I ever find a woman as brilliant as you?”
“You got lucky.” Annette answered with a sly smile. Richter laughed lightly as Annette yawned.
“Sleep,” Richter said softly, tightening his hug once again. “I know how tired you are. You and Ileara get some rest. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Annette already felt her eyes closing. She hugged Ileara closer and rested her head against Richter’s chest. Knowing that Richter would keep his word, she slipped into a deep, peaceful slumber.
Richter continued to stare at his wife and daughter, nothing but pure love reflected in his eyes. Annette was right; Richter was the luckiest man in the world.
“Sleep well, my loves.”