Chapter 35: New Year's Blessing

The momentous night of New Year’s Eve had finally dawned, and Yuqi’s heart danced with a blend of exhilaration and nervous anticipation. She had decided to don her magnificent royal robes, the fabric shimmering with rich hues that captured the light, and atop her head rested a delicately crafted crown, glinting like stars scattered across a midnight sky. With gentle persuasion, she had also convinced Sapphire to adorn her head with her own crown—a resplendent symbol of their unity and Sapphire's newly embraced role as her Queen.

Seated cross-legged on the plush living room carpet, surrounded by the soft glow of flickering candles, the two of them radiated a serene beauty that intertwined with the warm atmosphere of the room. They rehearsed the blessing they would soon perform, their voices weaving through the air like a delicate melody. Sapphire’s voice was soft and somewhat tentative, but with each smile and encouraging glance from Yuqi, her confidence blossomed, fortifying her resolve.

This tranquil moment, steeped in warmth and camaraderie, was abruptly shattered by the jarring chime of the doorbell echoing through the home, a sound startling in its unfamiliarity. Jessica, with a puzzled expression dancing across her features, ambled toward the door, intrigue knitting her brows together. As she swung the door open, her eyes widened in disbelief, and her mouth fell slightly agape, momentarily frozen as she took in the unexpected visitors who stood waiting on the threshold, their presence stirring a whirlwind of curiosity and surprise.

David, sensing a shift in the atmosphere as he noticed Jessica standing frozen at the entrance, called out from the warm confines of the kitchen, “Jess, who's at the door?”

When silence enveloped the house in response, he quickly wiped his hands on a dish towel and crossed the room to join her. Suddenly, a warm and familiar voice floated in from the threshold, laced with playful amusement, “Hey, Mom and Dad. Happy New Year's!”

Jessica’s heart raced, disbelief flooding her expression as she whispered, “Roland, you're here... how?” Her eyes sparkled with a mix of confusion and joy.

As if on cue, a smiling young woman peeked around Roland, her arms cradling a swaddled bundle of joy. Jessica's gaze softened, emotion welling up within her as she exclaimed with rising excitement, “Your egg hatched! Let me see my little grandchild!”

Meanwhile, in the cozy living room, Sapphire’s brow furrowed in confusion as she glanced over at Yuqi. “Grandchild? Mom? Dad? Yuqi, what's happening?” she questioned, the weight of surprise hanging heavy in the air.

Yuqi shook her head slowly, her expression mirroring the confusion swirling in the air. She reached out and gently squeezed Sapphire’s hand, a silent vow of steadfast support reflected in her warm gaze. “I don’t know what’s happening either. Let’s find out together.”

As they stood, the atmosphere shifted, and the door opened to reveal David and Jessica, ushering in the newcomers with an air of excitement and anticipation. Jessica cradled a tiny bundle in her arms, the delicate baby swaddled in soft fabric, her face aglow with the tender pride of a new grandmother.

Sapphire’s eyes widened in astonishment as the couple caught sight of her and Yuqi. In an instant, they fell to the floor, overwhelmed by the majestic presence emanating from the two crowned queens. They bowed deeply, their foreheads touching the ground in a gesture of profound reverence that filled the room with an awkward silence.

Noticing the discomfort hanging thick in the air, David stepped forward with an easy charm that broke the tension. “Yuqi, can you…? They’re family,” he said, his voice steady yet encouraging.

Yuqi blinked, taken aback by the depth of the moment, but quickly composed herself. “Oh, of course—family of Sapphire need never bow to me,” she replied, her tone gentle yet firm, as she extended a hand towards them, inviting them to rise.

With a delicate yet decisive thought, she retracted the shimmering magical pressure, allowing the couple to rise unsteadily from the ground. They stood there, their bodies trembling slightly, shooting uncertain glances back and forth between Yuqi and Sapphire, caught in a whirlwind of confusion at the unexpected turn of events.

David, sensing their trepidation, placed a gentle, reassuring hand on the younger man's shoulder. He turned to Yuqi and Sapphire, his voice steady yet warm. "Sapphire, Yuqi, let me introduce you to our son Roland, his beloved mate Becca, and their precious hatchling, Timothy, nestled comfortably in Jessica's arms."

Sapphire's eyes widened in stunned disbelief, her breath hitching as her voice quivered. "Your son? I—I have a brother? Why didn’t you ever tell me?" The words spilled out, heavy with a mix of surprise and a hint of longing, echoing the depth of emotions that had long been shrouded in silence.

Jessica's expression softened, a flicker of remorse glimmering in her eyes as she gazed tenderly at Sapphire. "Darling," she began, her voice soothing and low, "we brought Roland into this world three hundred years ago. He formed a bond with Becca about one hundred and fifty years back, and since then, they have been residing in the mystical Dragon Plane, devoted to nurturing their precious egg. We never knew when it would finally hatch, or if you would ever have the chance to meet them. Our intent was to protect you from confusion and heartache as we raised you here on Earth."

With a graceful turn, Jessica faced Roland and Becca, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief, their eyes wide as saucers. "Roland, Becca," she declared, her voice steady yet filled with emotion, "this radiant young woman is your younger sister, Queen Sapphire. And standing beside her is her true mate—Her Royal Highness Queen Yuqi Allen, daughter of the illustrious Jade Goddess."

Becca seemed to drain of color, her face paling as she stammered, "Queen… Queen… your sister is true-mated to the Queen?" Each word tumbled from her lips in disbelief, and she shot a frantic glance at Roland, her gaze pleading for some form of comprehension. Roland stood frozen, his eyes reflecting the same astonishment, his mind racing to grasp the enormity of the revelation.

"I—I didn’t know," Roland finally managed to stammer, his throat tightening as anxiety climbed within him.

David leaned closer, offering a gentle pat on Roland’s shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring, an attempt to ease the tension that hung thick in the air. "This all unfolded quite recently—only two months ago. Sapphire was officially crowned Yuqi’s Queen on Christmas, a day filled with celebration and surprises. There’s simply no way you could have known."

Jessica guided Becca to the plush couch, her movements tender and deliberate, as she settled beside the overwhelmed new mother. Becca’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and Jessica wrapped an arm around her, a silent promise of comfort in the storm of new motherhood.

Roland’s initial shock morphed into a deep worry, his gaze shifting toward his father, confusion etched across his features. "Dad, how can Sapphire be true-mated to the Queen? We—we’re commoners," he questioned, his voice trembling as the weight of the revelation bore down on him.

Suddenly, Yuqi stood, her posture rigid and eyes ablaze with fierce protective fury, catching everyone off guard with the force of her reaction. "Hey, I’ll hear none of that!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of strength and defiance. "Sapphire’s status never mattered to me. I loved her from the very first moment I laid eyes on her. Until last summer, I believed I was human—I wasn’t raised as royalty. I refuse to tolerate anyone belittling Sapphire because of her imagined status."

Her words hung in the air, pulsating with conviction, challenging the very foundations of what they thought they knew.

Roland’s eyes widened in disbelief, taken aback by Yuqi’s sharp rebuke, leaving him momentarily speechless as an ember of uncertainty flickered in his mind. Sapphire, sensing the escalating tension, sprang to her feet with grace, her movements fluid as she placed a calming hand on Yuqi’s arm, gently coaxing her to meet her gaze. "Yuqi, darling, take a breath," she said softly, her voice laced with warmth. "Roland wasn’t trying to offend me—he’s merely voicing what all of us felt when we first learned you were to be our Queen."

As their eyes locked, Yuqi’s fierce glare instantly softened, the storm of emotions within her ebbing away as Sapphire tenderly cupped her face in her hands. With a gentle smile that radiated affection, Sapphire continued, "I truly appreciate your unwavering support, but the ones who should be explaining anything here are my parents." She leaned in, brushing a delicate and fleeting kiss across Yuqi’s lips, a gesture that melted away the remnants of Yuqi's tension like morning dew under the rising sun.

Sapphire then carefully lifted her crown, the delicate jewels glimmering in the ambient light, and set it aside on a nearby table with a practiced ease. She settled into the plush embrace of the living room, inviting comfort in its familiar surroundings. Yuqi mirrored her actions, removing her own crown with reverence and sitting beside Sapphire, interlacing her fingers with hers, their hands fitting together like two pieces of a beautifully crafted puzzle, solid in their connection.

Sapphire turned toward her parents, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of earnestness and expectation. "Mom, Dad, please, I need you to explain properly. I deserve to know about my brother, my nephew—my family. Why has Roland never been mentioned?"

Jessica let out a soft, shaky sigh, remorse etched deeply across her features as if the weight of her choices had carved lines of sorrow upon her face. "We thought it would be easier this way, Sapphire," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "Raising you here on Earth, we were concerned about how you might handle the knowledge of your brother—knowing he was so far away in another realm. We believed keeping it from you would shield you from pain, but we were wrong. I am truly sorry. It was never meant to hurt you."

David, standing tall yet visibly burdened, nodded solemnly, his hands resting reassuringly on Roland’s shoulder. "We’re deeply sorry, Roland, Sapphire—both of you," he said, his voice a low murmur filled with regret. "We thought we were protecting you, but maybe we only made things more complicated. Roland, Becca, we hope you can forgive us."

Roland stepped forward slowly, his expression a complex blend of sincerity and hesitance. "Sapphire, I regret that this is how we met, but I’m genuinely glad to finally know you," he said, a gentle, hopeful smile breaking through the tension. "Can you find it in your heart to forgive our parents—and me—for hiding this secret from you?"

Sapphire, feeling a rush of emotions, squeezed Yuqi’s hand tightly, her heart softening as she looked back at Roland and Becca. After a moment of contemplation, she let out a soft sigh, her expression warming like the first light of dawn. "This is unexpected and overwhelming, and yes—I do wish I had known sooner. But you’re all here now, and that’s what matters most. It’s New Year’s Eve after all, a perfect time for fresh starts and new beginnings."

Yuqi observed as Sapphire gracefully navigated her family's dynamics, her presence radiating a gentle yet commanding authority that filled the room with warmth. A swell of pride blossomed in Yuqi’s chest, igniting a quiet promise within her heart to steadfastly stand by Sapphire, offering unwavering support through whatever challenges lay ahead.

Sapphire's smile was soft, yet it carried a weight of assurance, her voice a harmonious blend of firmness and tenderness. "Welcome home, Roland and Becca. A special welcome to you, Timothy, as you join our family. Let’s make this New Year’s blessing even more profound—by sharing it together, as a complete family."

In that moment, a wave of relief washed over the gathering, and warm, hopeful smiles spread across their faces, dissolving the earlier tension. The air was charged with the warmth and anticipation of new beginnings—bonds that had been forged in the most unexpected ways, symbolizing the promise of the year ahead.

Upstairs, in the serene ambiance of Sapphire’s bedroom, Yuqi meticulously adjusted the opulent fabric of her royal robes, each movement deliberate and graceful as she smoothed out the occasional wrinkle. The vibrant purple silk caught the soft glow of the lamplight, radiating an ethereal shimmer that illuminated the room. Sapphire sat comfortably on the plush bed, her eyes filled with admiration, cradling Yuqi’s ornate crown in her lap as if it were a cherished treasure.

With a tender smile, Yuqi glanced up at her mate, the affection in her gaze palpable. "You know, Sapphire," she said softly, her voice laced with warmth, "I really need to have royal robes made for you as well. Just imagine how magnificent we’ll look together when we hold court."

A light, melodic laugh escaped Sapphire’s lips, her eyes sparkling with a playful mischief that danced in the air between them. "Oh, don’t tease me, Yuqi," she replied, her tone teasing yet sincere. "I’m already struggling to resist the urge to rip that sumptuous robe off you and claim you right here."

Yuqi’s cheeks flushed deeply, heat spreading rapidly over her skin. She giggled nervously, gently biting her lip. "Trust me—I’m struggling, too. But remember…minifridge."

Instantly, the playful spark in Sapphire’s eyes dimmed, her expression shifting to one of mild nausea as her hands instinctively moved to cradle her stomach. A soft groan escaped her lips as she shook her head in resignation. "That definitely did it. No more tantalizing thoughts for me."

Yuqi's gaze softened with understanding, her eyes reflecting a deep empathy as she offered a gentle, reassuring glance. "Believe me, I feel the same way. I dream about it every night, the thrill of our true selves soaring free. But once we fully embrace our dragon forms, there’ll be nothing holding us back."

Sapphire sighed wistfully, her gaze lingering on Yuqi as she meticulously finished buttoning her robe, each movement imbued with grace and purpose. "I can hardly wait," she murmured, her voice laced with longing.

With a tender smile, Yuqi reached down, her fingers delicately lifting Sapphire’s crown from her lap. She placed it atop Sapphire’s head with careful reverence, the jewels glimmering in the soft light. In a moment of shared ritual, Sapphire followed suit, gently settling her own crown into place, the weight of it a reminder of their shared destiny.

As if drawn together by an invisible thread, Yuqi reached for Sapphire’s hand, their fingers intertwining in a gesture of love and solidarity. Their eyes locked, each gaze conveying a silent promise of support and unwavering belief in one another.

"Ready?" Yuqi asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a profound sense of anticipation.

Sapphire gently squeezed Yuqi's hand, her smile radiating warmth beneath the delicate glow of the moon. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” she whispered, her excitement barely contained. Together, they descended the staircase, the wooden steps creaking softly beneath their feet, and stepped into the crisp embrace of the winter night. Outside, their family had gathered in front of the house, a cozy scene painted with swirling puffs of breath rising like tiny ghosts in the cold air, each member bundled in vibrant coats and snug scarves.

At the center of the yard, Sapphire and Yuqi paused, feeling the chill of the earth beneath their feet. The moonlight bathed them in a soft silver glow, enhancing the rich colors of their crowns and robes, which billowed gently in the midnight breeze, casting an enchanting aura around them. Yuqi took a deep breath, her heart thrumming, as she cleared her throat, capturing the attention of their combined families.

“Tonight, Sapphire and I will perform a blessing for this home,” Yuqi declared, her voice ringing out with clarity and purpose, filling the stillness of the night. She cast a warm glance toward Roland and Becca, who stood close together, their arms wrapped protectively around little Timothy, snugly bundled in a blanket that seemed to hug him like a soft cloud. “But we have an additional blessing to offer—a surprise for little Timothy,” she continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “We want to welcome him into our family and bestow upon him our hopes for protection and happiness as he embarks on this precious journey of life.”

Jessica stood nearby, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy, her heart swelling at the sight of their unity. David nodded appreciatively, a mix of pride and love etched across his features as he looked at his family. Meanwhile, Roland and Becca exchanged astounded glances, their hearts brimming with gratitude and emotion, each heartbeat echoing the warmth of the moment that bound them all together under the starry sky.

Yuqi closed her eyes, allowing herself to delve deeply into the wellspring of magic that surged within her, a vibrant reservoir of energy and intention. Beside her, Sapphire mirrored her actions, the two of them enveloped in a sacred silence as their magic began to intertwine. A warm, ethereal glow enveloped them, bathing the space in a mesmerizing dance of purple and blue hues, swirling and flowing in harmonious unity.

With a voice steady and imbued with heartfelt sincerity, Yuqi spoke first, "May this home always be a sanctuary of love, peace, and happiness. Let its walls shelter our family, wrapping them in a protective embrace, and may joy forever find a place within these walls." Her words resonated, each syllable weaving a tapestry of intention that filled the air.

Sapphire followed suit, her voice a soothing melody, tender yet unwavering, "And for Count Timothy—may your life overflow with love, laughter, and boundless joy. May you grow strong, wise, and kind, forever cherished by family and friends alike." The sincerity of her wish radiated outward, intertwining with Yuqi's intentions.

Together, their combined magic surged forth like a gentle wave, cascading over the house and enveloping the family gathered close. The shimmering light momentarily illuminated their faces, reflecting the hope and warmth shared among them, before settling softly into the foundation of their home and embedding itself in the hearts of all those who witnessed it.

As the light dissipated slowly, it left behind an undeniable aura of peace and unity, a lingering embrace that wrapped around everyone present. Roland and Becca stood entranced, their eyes wide in awe as they clung to each other, watching as Timothy cooed contentedly in his mother’s arms, his small face aglow with innocence.

Jessica, overcome with emotion, gently wiped joyful tears from her cheeks. Leaning closer to David, she whispered, "This truly feels like a new beginning." Her words hung in the air, filled with the promise of fresh possibilities.

Sapphire leaned into Yuqi, savoring the comforting strength of her mate’s embrace. Yuqi smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection as she pressed a gentle kiss to Sapphire’s temple. Their families began to gather, moving closer to envelop them in warm embraces, expressing quiet gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for the magical moment they had just shared.

Roland leaned closer, the soft murmur of conversation enveloping them as he whispered to Yuqi, "Did you just bestow a title on Timothy?" A mysterious smile played on Yuqi’s lips, and she nodded ever so slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

As the clock inched closer to the stroke of midnight, a crisp winter air enveloped the gathering, electric with anticipation. Families huddled together beneath the expansive, velvety canopy of a clear night sky, where thousands of stars twinkled like distant diamonds. Yuqi and Sapphire stood side by side, their fingers entwined, the silver crowns atop their heads shimmering in the ambient glow of lanterns and twinkling holiday lights. Their breath mingled in the frosty air, forming delicate wisps of mist that danced around them, while joy radiated from their faces, eyes sparkling brightly with the thrill of the moment.

David stepped forward, a warm smile spreading across his face as he lifted a glass of effervescent sparkling cider, its bubbles catching the light like tiny fireworks. The others followed suit, their glasses raised high in eager anticipation, creating a kaleidoscope of colors as celebratory spirits soared. "It's almost midnight," he announced, his voice resonating with genuine joy that enveloped everyone in the warmth of camaraderie. "Let us welcome the new year together. To family, to new beginnings, and to love!"

"To love!" the chorus of voices rang out, laughter bubbling up like champagne, suffusing the chilly air with warmth and happiness.

As the final seconds ticked away, Yuqi turned to Sapphire, her heart fluttering with exhilaration and contentment. Sapphire’s deep, soulful eyes locked onto hers, the bond between them palpable and pulsing like an electric current. With a gentle squeeze of Yuqi’s hand, she leaned in closer, her voice a soft melody above the festivities, "I can't think of a better way to start this year than with you." This moment, cocooned in shared warmth and love, felt like the spark of a new adventure waiting to unfold.

Yuqi beamed warmly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she leaned in closer. "And I truly can’t envision spending it with anyone else. This is our year," she whispered, her voice filled with hope and excitement.

As the countdown unfolded, a palpable energy filled the air, electrifying the atmosphere:

“Ten... nine... eight...”

Roland pulled Becca into a snug embrace, gently cradling little Timothy in his arms. Their shared smiles radiated warmth, each glance exchanged full of hope and contentment as they savored the moment.

“Seven... six... five...”

Kelly let out a carefree laugh, playfully nudging her parents, the glow of cider on her cheeks a testament to her delight and exuberance.

“Four... three... two...”

Jessica and David wrapped themselves around each other in a heartfelt embrace, their eyes shimmering with pride and deep, abiding love as they prepared to welcome the new year.

“One! Happy New Year!” Their joyful voices mingled with the echoes of laughter, marking the beginning of fresh possibilities and cherished memories bound to be made.

Cheers erupted joyously, filling the air with an infectious spirit of celebration. Glimmering glasses clinked together in spirited harmony, while laughter danced like music, weaving through the crowd. Yuqi and Sapphire, radiant in their shimmering attire, leaned into one another, their lips meeting softly in a tender, lingering kiss—a moment steeped in gentle promise and overflowing affection.

Around them, a dazzling display of fireworks erupted against the dark velvet expanse of the night sky, painting it with vibrant bursts of gold, blue, and deep purple. The colorful lights flickered and sparkled, reflecting off the ornate crowns that adorned their heads, enhancing their regal demeanor. Yuqi's smile radiated warmth, her eyes filled with love as they locked onto Sapphire’s, their hearts synchronizing in a blissful rhythm.

“Happy New Year, my Queen,” Yuqi whispered, her voice a soft caress in the midst of the festivities.

Sapphire, overcome with emotion, tenderly pressed her forehead against Yuqi's, warmth radiating between them. “Happy New Year, my Dragon Queen. I love you,” she replied, her words a heartfelt embrace.

Their families, enveloped in the joyous atmosphere, exchanged heartfelt hugs and well-wishes, laughter resonating like a sweet melody around them, binding them together in the enchanting magic of the moment. Under the shimmering cloak of the midnight sky, as stars twinkled above, Yuqi and Sapphire stood enveloped in love, fully embracing the new year with hearts brimming with hope, joy, and the promise of endless adventures yet to come.