"Lady Supreme, you're being summoned to the academy again" Samuel said, the palace butler.
I set down the papers I had been reading at his words. "And why this time?" I asked.
"The same reason, Lady Supreme. Zathea and Devin made a mess." He answered.
I let out a deep sigh and rubbed my forehead. "What am I going to do with those kids?"
I left my office and headed to the training grounds where Zadkiel was sparring with his comrades. When I arrived, everyone immediately bowed in respect.
"Where's Zadkiel?" I asked Kael.
"He left, Lady Supreme. He was summoned to the academy" he replied.
I let out a sigh.
I returned to the palace and waited for them. It wasn't long before they arrived, Zadkiel walking in with the children.
I sat in the lounge, arms crossed, my gaze fixed on them with a serious expression.
"My wife" Zadkiel greeted with a smile, but I remained stern, shifting my eyes to the children now hiding behind their father.
"Come here" I ordered the children in a serious tone, but they didn't listen, fear making them hide even more behind their father.
"Darling, calm down. Don't scold the kids" Zadkiel said, defending them.
"I'm not talking to you" I replied firmly.
"Mommy, sorry…" Devin mumbled, pouting as he slowly walked toward me. I then turned my gaze to Zathea, who still refused to move, clinging to her father.
"Daddy, Mommy's scary" Zathea pouted, lifting her arms to be carried.
"Don't worry, my little princess. Mommy isn't mad at you" Zadkiel assured her gently.
"Zadkiel! How many times do I have to tell you not to spoil the children? That's why they're so mischievous" I scolded him in frustration.
"Darling, they're just kids" he defended.
"Exactly, and that's why they should be disciplined while they're still young. What happens when they grow up?" I shot back, irritation in my voice.
"Mommy, I'm really sorry" Devin said nervously. "I've told Zathea so many times to stop, but she never listens… and now our classroom's broken again."
I sighed and lifted him into my arms, then turned to Zathea, who was pouting.
"Zathea" I called, but she only avoided my gaze as if she hadn't heard me at all.
"Hahaha, Zathea is just so cute—just like you, always grumpy" Zadkiel said with a laugh.
I raised an eyebrow and gave him a sharp look. "You really never change. Ugh, you're all so impossible."
He chuckled. "Alright, Zathea, go to your mommy."
Zadkiel set Zathea down, and she slowly walked toward me.
"Darling, don't blame them for having strong powers, they got that from you" Zadkiel said.
"I know. That's why they need discipline, because what they have isn't ordinary they might end up in danger" I replied worriedly.
"Sorry, Mommy. I won't do it again, so please don't be mad anymore" Zathea said softly.
I sighed, unable to resist the cuteness of the two of them. "Alright, I won't scold you anymore" I said, kissing them both on the head.
"Now go to your nannies. You owe Tia and Reza an apology for playing with their things" I told them. They nodded and left.
"Now pay attention to me. You've been ignoring me because of work" Zadkiel suddenly said once the children had left, sitting down beside me.
"You're busy with training too" I replied and leaned on his shoulder.
"Are you tired?" he asked in concerned, and I just nodded.
"Take a break first. You can do your work later—it can wait. Right now, you need to rest" he said.
I wanted to argue, but I was far too exhausted to protest, so I simply nodded. We teleported to our room, and he helped me lie down.
"Rest. I'll take care of everything" he assured me, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
I had just woken up and didn't realize it was already nighttime. I got up, freshened myself, and changed clothes before stepping outside.
I went to the children's room to check on them. They were already fast asleep, so I quietly left, not wanting to disturb their rest.
"Lady Supreme" Tia greeted upon seeing me.
"Have you seen Zadkiel?" I asked.
"No, Lady Supreme. Do you want me to look for him?" she offered.
I shook my head. "No, I'll find him myself" I replied before setting off to search for him.
While I was looking for Zadkiel, I suddenly stopped when a glowing red butterfly appeared right in front of me. There it was again my curiosity taking over. I followed it, keeping my eyes locked on it the whole time, afraid it might vanish from my sight again.
So focused was I on following it that I didn't realize how far I'd gone. But when I finally drew close to the butterfly, it suddenly vanished—and with its disappearance came the sudden appearance of a place I had no idea existed.
Before me was a breathtaking paradise, a waterfall cascading gracefully, countless trees and flowers all around, and fireflies dancing in the air. The moonlight shone brilliantly, illuminating the scene. The trees were wrapped in glowing lights, and floating flowers drifted gently on the water's surface.
The place felt so enchanted different from any enchanted river I had ever known. I didn't know where I was, but it was beautiful…A place that seemed to wash away all weariness.
Then, out of nowhere, fireworks burst across the night sky, their colors reflecting on the water.
"Wow… it's so beautiful" I whispered in awe.
"You're more beautiful" a voice said from behind me.
I turned and saw that it was Zadkiel. "You made this?" I asked in wonder.
He smiled. "Do you like it?"
I nodded. "It's beautiful… truly beautiful" I said in awe.
"Why did you make a place like this?" I asked.
He stepped closer to my side. "Because I wanted you to relax. I know this is the kind of place that would help you unwind" he said, making me smile.
"Thank you" I murmured, hugging him. He hugged me back.
"You even made me follow the light" I said with a small laugh.
"That's because this is my surprise for you" he replied, a playful tone in his voice. "And I know just how curious you get about those mysterious lights that suddenly appear, you'd definitely follow them."
I couldn't help but laugh at that.
When he pulled away from the hug, he looked at me.
"Delythena, thank you for staying alive…I love you as always" he said sincerely.
I smiled softly. "Thank you for making me feel alive…I love you too and will always" I replied sweetly.
He kissed me, and I kissed him back.
There is a profound beauty in life when someone loves you not superficially, but with a love that transcends all conditions, willing to sacrifice everything without expectation. A love that does not demand repayment, yet remains unwavering and constant, even when there is no certainty that love will be returned. It is in this selfless, enduring love that life finds its truest meaning and deepest fulfillment.
And all of that, I felt it deeply with Zadkiel.
END.