Normal Thyme

By Kimberly Vogel

Married and with a baby on the way, Koen and Dey are well on their way to being a normal couple. The only thing that could stop their happy life is if the evil from Koen's past comes after them. The four servants do their best to support their boss, but even with their help it might not be enough. Even if the small family survives being hunted, what sort of life could it be for the child?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329050051

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Normal Thyme

Normal Thyme

Copyright

Copyright © 2015 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-329-05005-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter  2

Chapter 3

Chapter  4

Chapter  5

Chapter  6

Chapter  7

Chapter  8

Chapter  9

Chapter  10

Chapter  11

Chapter  12

Chapter  13

Chapter  14

Chapter  15

Chapter  16

Chapter  17

Chapter  18

Chapter 1

Dey turned her eyes from the book she was reading to her pregnant belly. Not much longer until you’re going to join us. She gasped softly as she felt a kick. Rubbing her hand over her belly, she reclined in the oversized couch. Are you excited, dear?Looking across the room, Maegan smiled at her boss’s wife’s talk to her unborn child. She shelved the books that she held. Turning around fully, she asked, Is she kicking?

Yes, Dey replied. Looking up at the blonde woman, she chuckled. And I don’t know if it’s a girl or boy yet, so please just say the baby.

Okay Dey, Maegan replied. She walked over to the brunette woman. But personally I hope that you have a girl.

Neither of us cares which gender, so long as the baby is healthy, Dey replied. Closing her book, she set it on the couch cushion beside her. It might be nice to outnumber the boys, though.

Laughing along with her, Maegan said, Yes, it would. She held her hands out. Would you like to make another attempt to go downstairs?

I would, Dey replied.

Clasping Dey’s tan hands with her pale ones, Maegan gently pulled the younger woman up to her feet. I’ll go a few steps ahead of you.

Okay, Dey said. She followed the cook to the middle of the home. With Maegan going first, Dey toddled after her down the stairs to the main level of the mansion. By the end she was panting.

Are you okay? Maegan asked.

Waving one hand, Dey replied, I just need to sit down.

I’ll take you to the sitting room, Maegan said. She curled her arm around the back of the other woman. Guiding her from the bottom of the stairs to the eastern side of the home, she turned the corner into the sitting room. 

Plopping into the nearest chair, Dey let out a small groan. I can’t stand much more of this.

You’re doing just fine, Maegan said. She patted her shoulder. I’ll get you a glass of water.

Thank you.

Hurrying around the corner then through the dining room, Maegan entered the doorway into the kitchen. Now that it was the last few days of April, the snow outside had fully melted. With beautiful weather outside, most of the people spent their time there. No matter what other duties there were, though, someone was always with the expectant mother. Maegan filled a glass with water from the pump in the sink of the center island then returned to her.

Taking the glass with a grateful nod, Dey took several quick sips. Leaning back in the chair, she held her other hand on her stomach. Are they still out?

Yes, Miss Dey, Maegan replied.

Ah, I hope that Koen and the others come back soon. Sighing softly, Dey turned her gaze out of the window in the opposite wall.

I’m sure that they will be. Orville should check-in soon after his latest patrol around the edge of the land. Nathan and Koen are together visiting the neighbors, so they aren’t far away. Once Connie comes back from the city I’ll start dinner.

I hope that it is soon, Dey said. She shifted in her seat. I’m glad that Moeka still lets me sell the stains and dyes to her family shop, even though I can’t make as much of it as I promised her that I would.

That was nice of them, Maegan said. She stood at the corner with her back to the double doors that led to the outside area.

A small tan-skinned woman strode up to the outer set of double doors. Pushing them open, she slipped into the entryway. From there she opened another set of double doors that led into the grand dining area.

Glancing over her shoulder, Maegan said, Welcome back.

Smiling broadly, Connie said, You’ll never guess what I found out today.

What? Dey asked. She looked around one cook to the other.

Holding out a letter, Connie said, This is from Moeka and Othenio.

Once Dey set her glass down, she took the letter. Opening it up, she quickly scanned the contents. With brown eyes widening, she gasped, Oh, she’s pregnant.

Yes, Connie said. The raven-haired woman brushed her red-streaked bangs away from her brown eyes. From what I gathered it’s only a month or so.

I’m glad, though I think that they were trying to wait a little longer too. Dey chuckled softly. It didn’t work out for either of us I guess.

Shaking her head, Connie asked, Anyway, how are you feeling?

Taking the bags of food from the other cook, Maegan broke away from the pair. She had a lot of work to do in order to prepare dinner for the household. There were only six people, but one was eating for two.

Glancing at Maegan, Dey replied to Connie, I’m feeling okay. The horrific nausea is almost completely gone. Now my only nemesis is the stairs.

Chuckling, Connie walked over to the other chair on the wall. I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling better.

I’m glad that I feel better than before, Dey said. She tucked the letter into her top. She would read it again later to share with her husband. How did the trip go?

It went well. Connie slipped a small purse from her belt. Since we didn’t have much to sell it’s only a little money. With it being spring and summer, Moeka requested that we try and bring her green, yellow, pink, and the like in the next batch.

I have my eye on some plants that could produce some nice pink, green, and yellow dyes for sure. We might even get blue and purple.

Did you see patches from the window?

With a slight nod, Dey replied, The leaves aren’t thick enough yet to block the view into the forest.

I’ll take care of it.

Thank you. Picking up her glass, Dey took a few quick sips. Did you see anyone else out there?

Hesitating a moment, Connie let her mind drift back. Then she replied, No, I’m afraid not.

Oh, Dey said. Leaning back once more, she let her eyelids drift shut. I’m going to just rest here for a few minutes before joining you two in the kitchen.

Take all the time that you need, Connie said. The other tan-skinned woman relaxed in the chair beside her.

Meanwhile Koen and Nathan rode through the forest in a small carriage. Looking out of the window, the black-haired man searched the tree tops for any sign that they were being followed. As usual, they were.

Noting his boss’s scowl, the brunette man followed his gaze into the trees. Do you want us to stop?

No, Koen replied. Shaking his head, he raked his fingers through his long bangs. I just want to get home. They won’t follow us across the border.

Yes, Master Koen, Nathan said. The butler lifted one hand to a tuft of white hair on the side of his head.

Catching sight of the other man’s motion, Koen said, Don’t dare use your powers.

I wasn’t going to, Nathan said. He quickly dropped his hand. His blue eyes met the other man’s blue eyes. But I can’t say that I’m not worried about what they might do.

As long as they keep their distance, we should be fine. As Koen spoke, he was as much trying to convince himself of that as he was the other man.

Yes Master Koen, Nathan said.

With an unconscious command given, Koen watched as the driver of the carriage urged the horses to move faster. Living on the outskirts of the city meant that everyone lived far from each other. It left people vulnerable whenever they were in need. That was why it was so important to form tight bonds with the neighbors.

Circling the border of the Alajos family land, Orville walked to the edge of the lane that led from outside the border to inside it. He stopped there, gloved hand shading his dark gaze. Looking down the dirt-covered road, he spotted the carriage. Dropping his hand, the blonde man took a few steps back.

Look, there is Orville, Nathan said.

Good, Koen said, tension in his body easing slightly. I want to go inside as soon as we arrive. We can talk once we’re out of sight.

Yes Master Koen.

Once the carriage crossed over the border into Koen’s land, the horse vanished from its harness. The rest of the structure soon followed as the construct returned to shadows. The two figures dropped from their seated position to stand on the lane that led to the front door of the three-story mansion.

Welcome back, Orville said. The pale man walked over to stand beside his boss. How was your trip?

It was fine, Koen replied. Nodding to him, he led the way into the vestibule. Once they were out of view, he continued, How were things here?

Quiet, Orville replied. Glancing over his shoulder, the tall man scowled. I don’t like how they just sit in the bushes and trees watching us work.

Nathan spoke softly, It’s like they are waiting for the birth.

As long as they don’t trespass, they can stare all they want. Koen shook his head. My family’s safety is all that I care about. They will not take her like they did me.

Understood, Orville said.

Koen rubbed his hands over his face. Now I have to get rid of this stress. I don’t want to make her more worried than she already is. Sighing deeply, he dropped his hands. With an awkward smile, he glanced between the two older men. Are you ready?

Yes, Master Koen, Nathan replied. Stepping forwards, he opened the inner set of doors. Miss Dey, we are home.

As he called, Connie hopped up from her seat. See? Holding her hands out, she helped Dey to stand.

I’m so glad that you’re home, Dey said. Peering around the shorter woman, she smiled at the three men. Good, you’re all here.

Releasing her hands, Connie walked over to the group. She gestured for Orville and Nathan to follow her. Once the two men dismissed themselves, they gave the young couple their space by following Connie to join Maegan in the kitchen.

Stepping close to his wife, Koen clasped both of her hands in his. I missed you.

Silly, you were only gone for a few hours. Dey smiled as she teased him. Squeezing his hands, she pulled one in to rest on her belly. But we did miss you.

Koen gasped lightly as he felt the baby kick. Ah, I see.

How are the neighbors?

Peter and Rhonda are as usual. Chuckling softly, Koen rubbed her stomach. So far Wilfredo and Tessa are doing okay. She’s frustrated with having to stop her work with the horses, though.

Ah, Dey murmured. Smiling still, she shook her head. I can understand that.

Did Connie bring any news about Moeka and Othenio?

Yes, actually, Dey replied. Pulling her hands away, she took the letter out of her corset. She brought a letter from them. It sounds like Othenio is settling in nicely from soldier to salesman. Moeka has become pregnant as well.

Really? Koen’s eyes widened. So there will be three babies around in the upcoming years.

It does look like it. Dey set the letter down on the side table. And we can’t forget about Cornelius.

That’s right. He’s going to be three in a couple of days.

Yes. Looking up at Koen, Dey clasped his hands. I want to go see them.

Shaking his head, Koen replied, They live too far away. As she pouted, he broke one hand away and placed his finger on her lips. But I think that we might be able to arrange for your aunt and uncle to come visit us. It’ll be like when you went to help them out.

Pulling her head back, Dey said, I’d like that.

I’ll try and arrange it then, Koen said. Leaning in, he rubbed his nose against her freckles. In the meanwhile, let’s find out what we are having for dinner.

Okay, Dey said. Tilting her head, she kissed his cheek. With her hand in his, she led the way into the kitchen.

Within the room the four servants were gathered. The two tan-skinned ones collected the dishes and silverware to take into the dining room. The two pale-skinned ones kept close to the center island. It had a twist at the northern end, so it was easier to pass the food over it rather than walk around it.

How is the meal coming along?

Looking up at Koen, Maegan replied, We are done. I braised quail and baby vegetables for a quick meal.

That sounds delicious, Dey said.

How hungry are you, dear?

Shaking her head, Dey replied to Koen, Not as much as I think I should be.

Koen blinked at her reply. Oh. Have you been snacking?

Her stomach is probably just squished because of the baby, Connie said as she walked past them.

Nathan ushered the couple back to the dining area. Please sit and let us serve you.

Alright, Dey chuckled faintly.

Gathering around the table for twelve, there was plenty of room for everyone to sit and eat. After dinner the young couple retired to their third level suite. Even though Dey rested, Koen continued his work with Nathan in the study. There were letters to write after all.

Across the city of Ayrwode, Jyoticandra and Fuyumi received their letter. Despite the danger, the other family decided to go. They were only going to have a small celebration for their son, so it was postponed from the sixth day of May to the tenth day of the month. For their protection, Nathan was sent to take them from one home to the other.

Looking out of the window, Jyoticandra said, We’re here.

Good, I think that someone needs a changing, Fuyumi said. She shifted the fussy child in her arms.

Oh? Turning back, Jyoticandra took the child from her. While Cornelius had his mother’s blonde hair and tan skin, he had his father’s green eyes. Holding him up, Jyoticandra said, Maybe he just doesn’t like to be cooped up, like his old man.

You’re not old, Fuyumi said.

Lightly coughing, Nathan opened the door of the carriage. Either way, there is a sitting room to the right of the entrance. Master Koen and Miss Dey should be waiting for you there.

Thank you Nathan, Jyoticandra said.

Yes, thank you. Climbing down next, Fuyumi picked up the bag with the baby things in it. We will go on ahead if you don’t mind.

I’m sure that we can find our way around, Jyoticandra said. Grinning at his wife, he cradled Cornelius in one arm. He pulled open the door with his other hand. Come on darling, we don’t want to keep them waiting.

I’m coming, Fuyumi said. She hurried after him, ducking under his arm as he opened the doors.

Walking around the corner, Koen said, Welcome, welcome. I’m so glad that you could come. Smiling at the couple, he held out his hands. Can I take anything?

I think that we have everything well in hand for now, Fuyumi replied. She stepped out of the way of her husband and son. Then she hurried past her nephew-in-law. Dey! You’ve grown so big.

From her seat in the chair closest to the bar, Dey laughed. Yes, I would stand but I’m finding it hard to move around.

You look well, though. Smiling at her, Fuyumi dropped the diaper bag off by the loveseat. Leaving her husband to contend with the consequences, she leaned over and hugged the younger woman. We were so happy to get your letter. I’d like to pay you back for the help that you gave me when I was pregnant.

I miss being able to visit the family, Dey replied.

It’s our turn to visit you, Jyoticandra called out. On his knees by the loveseat, he fought against the squirming child to clean him. Come on Cornelius, stop squirming. You can play as soon as you’re clean.

No! Cornelius spouted out while he wriggled out of his hands. No pants!

Shaking his head, Jyoticandra tried to catch him. We’re not at home. We’re at Koen and Dey’s home. You have to wear your clothes.

Turning around quickly, Fuyumi caught her son by the back of his red vest. Your Daddy’s right, Cornelius. Put your pants on.

Looking up at her, Cornelius pouted. Mommy …

Wrapping his hands around his son’s waist, Jyoticandra pulled him back into place. He tugged the pants up over his bare bottom. There you go.

Koen chuckled faintly as the young boy huffed. He’s grown up so much.

Yes, I remember when he was still in his Mommy’s belly, Dey said. She rubbed her hand over her large stomach.

Hopping up to his feet, Cornelius turned his attention to Dey. With eyes widening, he scampered over to her. Baby?

Yes, Dey replied. Would you like to feel?

Cautiously nodding, Cornelius replied, Please?

Okay, just be gentle, Dey said. Taking his hand, she placed it on her belly where she last felt the baby kicking. Soon another movement came.

Baby, Cornelius said. He gasped as he felt the kicking.

Watching the two, Koen let out a slow sigh. A mix of emotions swelled in his chest. One promise had been fulfilled and another promise was soon to be fulfilled. He was perhaps the happiest that he could be, barring once the child came into the world.

Catching sight of the expression on his face, Jyoticandra cleaned his hands then clapped one on Koen’s shoulder. There is nothing like having a child. You’ll see that soon enough.

Smiling at the scene, Fuyumi patted her son’s head. Good boy.

Mommy, I want a baby, Cornelius said as he looked up.

Oh, Cornelius, you can’t. Smiling softly at him, Fuyumi dropped down to her knees. She hugged him softly. But maybe you can play with this one when he or she comes out of Dey’s tummy.

With a grin, Jyoticandra said, Maybe if Mommy feels up to it she’ll let Daddy put a baby in her belly. Then you can have a little brother or sister.

Fuyumi’s tan cheeks darkened as she blushed. Jyoti!

Looking between his parents, Cornelius thought for a moment then said, I want to be the only baby.

Yes, I think that we have enough to worry about with just one baby, Fuyumi said. She swept him up in her arms.

Alright, but if you change your mind … Jyoticandra let the suggestion hang in the air. With a wink, he reached down and helped his wife to her feet.

In the meanwhile, Koen interjected with a laugh. You can stay with us on the third floor.

I remember that someone had a birthday recently, Dey said. She waved at the young child. Did you have a party?

No, Cornelius replied.

We wanted to wait until we got here, Fuyumi said.

We hope that you don’t mind, Jyoticandra added. Standing behind his wife, he wrapped his arms around her waist. It was only going to be a small celebration at our home anyway.

I’ll tell the servants, Koen said. With a nod, he turned and walked out of the sitting room.

I’m sure that we have a cake that could be used as a birthday cake, Dey said. Reaching up to Cornelius, she patted his knee. Do you have a favorite flavor?

Blinking softly, Cornelius replied, Yellow.

Lemons, Fuyumi replied for him.

Jyoticandra chuckled. I don’t know how he can like those sour things. 

His tastes might change later, but for now we’ll find Cornelius a lemon cake for his birthday. Dey nodded as she replied. She held one hand out to the other family. Could you help me up?

Of course, Jyoticandra replied. Releasing his wife, he walked over to his niece. Once she was on her feet, the orange-haired man stroked the tuft of hair on his chin.

I recognize that look. Fuyumi nudged her husband with her elbow. You want to say something, but don’t know if you should.

I’ll leave the pregnant women talk to the mothers, Jyoticandra replied, waving his hand. Come on, son, let’s go see the kitchen.

Okay!

Plucking Cornelius from his mother’s arms, Jyoticandra carried him into the kitchen for introductions. The meal preparations were already in full swing. Despite the work, the four servants made themselves available to the two families. Once the meal was finished, the families retired to the third level of the mansion. With Cornelius tucked in bed, the two couples chatted until it was time to sleep.

Over the next few days, Dey enjoyed her time with the other couple. While they were in their mid thirties, the bond brought by each having their first child brought them closer. Dey was soon unable to go up and down the stairs, so she remained in bed while her aunt and uncle were the connection between her and the servants.

How are you feeling?

Looking at Koen as he entered the bedroom, Dey gave a weak smile. I hate feeling helpless.

Chuckling softly, Koen walked across the room to the bed. I know, dear.

Where are the others?

Climbing onto the oversized bed, Koen scooted over it to her side. Jyoti, Fuyumi, and Cornelius are preparing for bed. The others are cleaning up on the main floor.

Oh, Dey said. With a soft sigh, she rubbed her hand over her belly. Are you done with your work?

Yes dear, Koen replied. Smiling at her, he placed her hand over hers. I’m all yours tonight – both of you.

Good, Dey said. Turning her hand, she rubbed his hand over her belly. Our baby’s been very active. I hope that you can calm them down. I’m exhausted.

Shaking his head, Koen dropped down to lie beside her. I’ll try my best. Humming softly, he lulled both mother and child to sleep.

The home was peaceful for a few hours. Bolting up as a stabbing pain ran through her, Dey fought back a scream. She clasped both hands over her belly. Biting her lower lip, she tried to keep from waking her husband until the worst of the labor pains arrived. When she couldn’t stand it any longer, Dey shook Koen’s shoulder. Wake up.

At the pained tone in her voice, Koen’s eyes snapped open. Rolling over to his side, he looked up at her. What’s wrong?

Nothing, Dey replied. She shook her head. I mean – I think the baby is coming.

Oh, Koen said. With eyes widening, he sat up. What can I do?

Smiling weakly at him, Dey replied, Could you please get Fuyumi and Connie? They know what to do.

Of course, Koen said. Leaning over, he kissed her forehead. I’ll be back in a moment.

Thank you, Dey said, watching her husband leave the room. Clutching her belly, she collapsed on her side.

The noises in the night woke more than just the two mentioned. Though the other family was disturbed, Jyoticandra stayed with the sleeping child. Fuyumi went to help Dey. From the lower level Connie and Nathan woke, though it was only the woman who joined the others inside the bedroom. Othenio and Maegan slept on so they could be ready for any work that needed to be done in the morning.

By first morning’s light the expectant mother held her newborn against her chest. Dey nodded off occasionally, exhausted by the effort. Though the baby was wrapped in blankets, the wavy brown hair framing against tan skin could still be seen.

Walking to the door, Fuyumi said, You can go in now. She smiled then hid a yawn. I’ll be going back to bed.

Yes, of course, Koen replied, nodding at her. Thank you for your help.

Our pleasure, Fuyumi murmured, patting his shoulder.

Walking past her, Koen looked at the other tan-skinned woman. How are they, Connie?

Looking up from the bundle of soiled sheets, Connie smiled at her boss. Exhausted, but both are healthy. Congratulations, Master Koen, you have a baby girl.

A girl, Koen murmured. He placed his hand on his chest. I can’t – It still doesn’t seem real.

Chuckling, Connie nodded at the duo