Cherreads

Chapter 55 - The Shadows of the Past.

The night was soft and quiet when peace finally settled over the land. Xavi had fallen asleep with his face buried gently against Josephine's chest, his arms curled around her waist like a child seeking warmth. She smiled faintly, her fingers weaving slowly through his hair in small circles. On the other side of her, little Adris leaned against her arm, his breathing slow and calm. Both of her precious boys—her husband and her son—rested soundly in her embrace, as though the entire world outside did not exist.

By dawn, their carriage rolled into the heart of Dravenor, the kingdom that shimmered beneath the pale morning light. The air carried the faint scent of roses and dew, and the guards stood tall as their Queen and her family returned home. The great gates opened, and the people bowed deeply.

Rhory was already waiting at the courtyard, he face glowing with happiness when He spotted Theron. The two embraced, laughter bubbling between them—the kind of love that had grown quietly yet burned deeply. Sophina appeared next, graceful as always, and greeted Josephine with a respectful bow and a smile of genuine warmth.

Xavi, still drowsy from sleep, yawned softly as he leaned his head against Josephine's shoulder. She chuckled silently, her hand cupping his cheek. Both father and son clung to her, Adris wrapped around her waist while Xavi's hand rested over hers.

From across the courtyard, a cheerful voice broke through the air.

"JOJO!"

It was Therodora, her voice bright and full of life. She had a pear-shaped body, soft and elegant, her hair a mixture of milk-white and black, and her skin carried the honey tone of her father, Hendrick. She ran forward, her eyes gleaming as she wrapped her arms around Josephine tightly.

"All hail Queen Josephine of Zephyria!" Hendrick announced proudly, his voice echoing through the courtyard.

"HAIL!" the people shouted in unison, their voices like thunder beneath the morning sun.

Josephine smiled, her silent joy filling the air. Xavi yawned again, still half-asleep, and she chuckled as she led both her loves—father and son—toward her chambers in Hendrick's castle. Once inside, she laid them on the soft bed, covered them with thick velvet sheets, and kissed their foreheads tenderly before slipping away to attend her duties.

Inside her workroom, the glowing orb floated above her palm. It shimmered with the light of Zephyria—her kingdom. Through it, she could see her people working, laughing, and thriving. Jobs were flourishing, homes rebuilt, shops open, and hearts filled with hope. No one went hungry. No one was left behind. It was everything she had ever wanted for them.

Meanwhile, in the neighboring Kingdom and castle, Ms. Ruby, the formidable Queen of the Blackthorn Circle Clan, was busy preparing her own castle for her upcoming wedding. Ruby, tall and commanding, adjusted her black suit and inspected the grand hall. She was a Futa she can get Therodora Pregnant, and her union with Therodora was the talk of the kingdoms. Her confidence filled the halls as her clan rushed to decorate the space in black and red, the chosen theme of the ceremony.

Back in Dravenor, Josephine placed the final touch on a bouquet of crimson and dark roses—the wedding bouquet for her elder sister. Xavi and Adris were both awake now, rolling playfully across her bed, laughing uncontrollably as Josephine entered the room.

"Then I kicked his butt!" Adris shouted proudly, laughing.

Xavi burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.

Josephine clapped her hands softly, giving them her signature motherly glare—the one that said enough already.

"Uh oh…" Xavi whispered with a grin.

"Shhh!" Adris echoed, covering his mouth, trying not to laugh again.

Josephine sat beside them on the bed and began to make quick signs with her hands. Xavi watched her and translated for their son.

"Never hurt anyone, only if they're mean or rude to you," Josephine signed. "If they are, just walk away."

Adris nodded quickly, guilt flickering across his face. "I will, Mama. Sorry, Mama."

She kissed his cheek lovingly, then turned to Xavi and tugged at his ear.

"Ouch!" he yelped, pretending to be in pain. "That hurts!"

She rolled her eyes, shaking her head fondly at him.

By nightfall, the castle was quiet. Everyone was asleep—except for Josephine. She stood by the window, looking up at the stars. Her eyes shimmered with emotion, her heart heavy. Grabbing her long blue coat, she wrapped it tightly around herself and picked a bouquet of fresh flowers.

As she stepped out, her granddaughter Tess spotted her.

"Nana?" the little one whispered, holding flowers too.

Josephine smiled softly and nodded. Callum and Piere followed behind, each carrying flowers and a small cake. Together, they walked through the moonlit path toward the graveyard.

Meanwhile, in bed, Nyx stirred and reached out for Callum. Xavi, too, reached for Josephine but found the sheets empty. Nyx called softly, but there was no answer. Soon, all of them—Xavi, Noah, Raden, and Nyx—looked out the window and saw the faint glow of lanterns. Their loved ones were walking quietly through the night.

At the graveyard, Tess, Callum, and Piere ran ahead. "NANA!" they cried softly, hugging the gravestone. Josephine knelt beside it, her fingers brushing the carved name—Ceillie. Her eyes glistened.

Nyx smiled faintly, watching them from behind. The children sat and began reminiscing about the past.

"Remember when Piere's butt got stuck in the oven?" Tess giggled.

They all burst into laughter. Even Josephine's shoulders shook silently as she laughed with no sound.

Raden folded his arms, smiling. "Or the time Jojo lit fireworks in Mr. Wendy's pants when she was five! The poor man shot into the sky while she clapped with excitement."

They laughed harder, the sound of their joy echoing softly through the night.

"When we tried makeup for the first time!" Callum said.

Tess made a face. Piere nearly fell over laughing.

"You gave Mrs. Penny a heart attack!" Piere said between giggles.

"Yeah, Nana had to use baking powder to wipe off your face," Callum added, tears of laughter in his eyes.

Soon the laughter faded into quiet. They all stared at Ceillie's grave.

"What if Nana was still alive… and with us?" Callum said softly. "I wish she'd told us about her heart problems. We would have helped her. We miss her so much."

Josephine thought the words she could not speak: I love you, Nana.

She held Tess's hand, then Callum's, then Piere's. They stayed there until sleep crept over them. One by one, they drifted off and returned home.

When Josephine entered her room again, Xavi was still awake, sitting on the bed.

"Where did you go, baby?" he asked softly, rubbing his eyes.

She smiled faintly, kissed his lips, and signed with her hands, We went to visit Nana.

He smiled, understanding instantly, and wrapped his arms around her. Behind them, Callum tucked Nyx under his arm, kissing her forehead as she fell asleep. Raden and Piere shared a kiss before drifting off together. Noah rocked Tess gently in his arms, humming softly until she slept, then laid her in bed beside him.

Theron and Rhory, lost in their own quiet world, kissed each other deeply, holding each other beneath the warm candlelight as Rhoryy pulled Theron pants down took his cock into his mouth Theron growl in satisfaction as Rhory put his finger in Theron pussy hole fingering him while sucking his cock Theron moan quietly as his eyes roll back Rhory slap his ass and rubbing it gently f….f…..faster he said as Rhory eyes glowed blue and went extremely fast making Theron legs to tremble Ugh!!!!!!! He said as his milk spilled all over Rhory face and he licked it Good boy he said

The morning sun spilled into the castle. Therodora was still fast asleep when Anesthesia and Josephine jumped on her bed.

"Wake up! It's your wedding day!" Anesthesia shouted, shaking her shoulders.

Therodora groaned and covered her head with the sheets, but Josephine pulled at her legs until she fell off the bed with a soft thud. She laughed and got up, smiling sleepily at her sisters.

By 2:45 p.m., Ruby and her family had arrived. Laughter echoed through the grand hall as guests filled the space. Adris stood in front of a mirror, struggling with his tiny tie until Josephine bent down to help him.

"Thank you, Mama!" he said sweetly, kissing her cheek before taking his seat beside her.

The great doors opened. Hendrick proudly held Therodora's arm and walked her down the aisle. She looked radiant in a flowing red wedding gown, her net veil shimmering like sunlight on water. Ruby waited at the altar, smiling at her bride.

When the priest began the vows and asked if anyone objected, Ruby turned her head slightly. Her brothers and clan members stood, each loading their weapons quietly.

"Anyone who objects," Ruby said smoothly, "will be shot dead."

The hall went silent.

Xavi chuckled under his breath. "I guess nobody dares," he whispered.

The priest cleared his throat awkwardly. "You may kiss the bride."

Ruby pulled Therodora close and kissed her deeply to the sound of cheers and applause.

Later, during dinner, Josephine sat beside Xavi, exhaustion weighing heavy on her shoulders. She rested her head against his arm, smiling softly as he kissed her cheek and patted her head gently.

But among the joyous crowd, someone watched her—his hand trembling, his fist closing so tightly the glass in it shattered.

"She's still mine," he growled under his breath.

Piere's eyes caught sight of him. His heart froze. He recognized the man instantly. His expression darkened as he gave Tess and Callum a subtle signal. They turned, eyes wide in shock. Noah noticed too.

"Who is that?" Noah asked under his breath.

Tess rushed forward and grabbed Josephine's arm. "We need to get you out of here," she whispered urgently.

Xavi stood immediately. Therodora and Ruby climbed into their carriage, waving as they departed, unaware of the danger lurking behind.

Inside Josephine's chamber, the family gathered. Adris was in Queen Kendra's arms, nibbling on cookies.

"Who is here?" Xavi asked, his voice deep.

"The King of Ravenglade," Callum said, rubbing his face anxiously.

"From your village?" Nyx asked.

Tess's voice trembled. "He took Josephine when she was fourteen… wanted to marry her because she was beautiful. But Nana said she was too young. He slapped Nana in front of everyone, dragged Josephine by her hair, and told the village they would wed."

Xavi's fists clenched.

"He locked her in his castle for three years," Piere added grimly. "Until his mother helped her escape."

Callum's voice broke slightly. "When she came back at sixteen, her body was covered in bruises. Nana held her all night."

The room fell silent. The air thickened with fury and grief.

Xavi's expression hardened. His jaw tightened, and he crossed his arms. "I'd like to return that favor," he said darkly.

"What do you mean?" Tess asked nervously.

"You heard me," he said, eyes glinting with dangerous calm.

"I don't think you should—" Piere began.

"Oh, I will," Xavi interrupted quietly.

"What are you going to do?" Xoni asked.

He exhaled smoke from the cigarette he had lit, eyes fixed on the sleeping Josephine. "Not me," he murmured. "She will. I'll just need to whisper a few words in her ear… and it'll be done."

Lyra entered softly, carrying Adris—now changed into clean clothes. Queen Kendra followed her, smiling faintly as she laid the boy beside his mother. Xavi bent down, pulled the covers over them both, and watched as their breathing synced in sleep.

He turned toward the window, silent, the glow of his cigarette ember painting his face red in the darkness. The storm within him had only begun.

More Chapters