Butterfly Fae Boyfriend: Lumineux Part One (special preview)

“I’m an apt seamstress,” Nyxie huffs. “And I have stitched many a wound. I’m a trained nurse and I’ve seen more war battles then you will ever know.” She points a finger in my face.

“A combat nurse,” I murmur. “Impressive.”

Nyxie nods. “This will be a cakewalk compared to the limbs I’ve reattached!” She then sighs. “But your son will be treated with the same care and delicacy as I’ve used on any soldier. He’ll be safe and have every need seen to, I assure you of that.”

“Thank you, Nyxie. It’s a comfort knowing you’ll be taking care of him.” I smile at her. “I’m just sorry you have me to deal with.”

Nyxie giggles. “I’ve dealt with worse.”

Nyxie and Haytham walk me through the procedure that evening, giving me all the details about what will happen and how they expect it to heal. As Lulëzim grows, his wings will expand but the prosthetic piece won’t. It won’t cause him any pain or discomfort, it’ll just need to be added on to, or taken off with a new piece added on.

“So something like a patchwork quilt,” Nyxie replies. “But once he’s fully matured, he can get a permanent one that’ll last him the rest of his life.”

“Will you two be able do all these replacements?” I ask them.

Haytham and Nyxie exchange a look and I feel a tinge of doubt rise up. “It is something we will have to discuss with you.” Haytham answers. “But for now, I think it’s important for you and your son to rest before the big day tomorrow.”

I’ve been given a tent at the carnival where I can stay until Lulëzim is ready to leave. I get settled and lay down with Lulëzim, who has already drifted off to sleep. I lay there and just look at him, having every dark dread rise up in me. I hold him close and then I hear a whisper at the door of the tent.

“Are you awake?” Nyxie calls.

“I don’t think I could sleep even if I tried.” I murmur.

Nyxie tip toes in, carrying a steaming cup. “I thought as much.” She sits down on the edge of the bed as I rise. “This is a sleepy tea,” she tells me. “We serve it late at night for the kids and grown ups who can’t sleep.”

“You’re so kind.” I sigh. I place Lulëzim in his crib while I enjoy the hot drink. It is sweet and somehow creamy without any milk. 

“I know how worried you must be,” Nyxie murmurs. “Mr. Faire told Haytham and I what you’ve been through.”

“So...he told you who I am?” I ask cautiously.

“I wouldn’t care who you were even if you were just a beggar. To me, you’re a father trying to care for his baby.” She places her small, soft hand over mine. “That’s what matters.”

I sigh with relief. “Thank you, Nyxie. That means a lot to me.”

“I’ve never met a king like this before,” she giggles. “But you certainly do look the part. Very handsome, I must say.”

I chuckle and nearly sputter my tea. “You didn’t come here just to tease me, did you?”

“Oh no, I came to make sure you were alright, and the tea.” Nyxie smiles at me. “Seeing you cry before, I knew you must be worried.”

“I was relieved,” I sigh. “I just thought things would be hopeless and then you gave me a reason to hope again. My son would have a chance he could grow up, he could-” I sigh and stop myself. “I’ve been dreading so much as of late. Before, I had no worries at all in the world. I was carefree and careless.”

“So, little Lulëzim was an accident?” Nyxie asks.

“A happy one, for me at least.” I take another sip of the tea. “His mother was one of my harem. She was my favorite, in fact. She handed over Lulëzim like he was a moldy loaf of bread. She asked for money and then just left.”

“I’m so sorry,” Nyxie murmurs. “I mean, I know how libidinous you butterfly are. Did you never expect that to happen?”

“I told you, I was careless and carefree. Utterly stupid,” I grumble.

Nyxie sits closer beside me. “Will you go back?”

I shake my head. “Once I return home, I plan on doing things a lot differently.” I finish off the tea and Nyxie takes the cup.  “I plan to teach my son to be better than me.” I yawn loudly and my eyelids begin to grow heavy. “My kingdom will be different when I return, because I’ll be different.”

Nyxie lays me down and tucks a blanket around me. “Good kings know when to change.” She kisses my temple. “I don’t think Lulëzim will have to worry for anything.”