9

As they reached Drake's study, the king's composure crumbled. "Xander, I have news," he announced, his voice trembling.

Xander's curiosity piqued, but before he could ask, Drake's face split into a radiant grin.

"Lucas is pregnant!" Drake exclaimed, his eyes shining.

Xander's jaw dropped. "What? Oh, Brother!" he shouted, embracing Drake tightly.

Drake laughed, tears welling up. "Triplets, Xander! After 300 years, we're finally blessed."

Xander's excitement was palpable. "This is miraculous! Congratulations, Brother!"

Drake's voice cracked. "I thought it was impossible. The war injury...the healers said..."

Xander's grip tightened. "You've defied the odds, Brother. Lucas must be overjoyed."

Drake's face glowed. "He's ecstatic. We both are."

As they hugged, Xander felt his brother's trembling. Emotion poured out of Drake, relief and happiness mingling.

"I'm going to be an uncle!" Xander exclaimed.

Drake chuckled. "You'll be an amazing uncle, Xander. And Lucas will be an incredible father."

Xander stepped back, grinning. "This changes everything. We'll need to prepare the nursery, plan for their future..."

Drake nodded, his eyes sparkling. "We'll do it together, as a family."

In this moment, Xander saw the weight lift off his brother's shoulders. Three centuries of longing, finally fulfilled.

As Xander and Drake returned, they were greeted by the sound of Charlie's infectious laughter. They exchanged amused glances, curiosity piqued.

Entering the dining room, they found Charlie and Lucas in stitches, tears streaming down their faces.

"What's going on here?" Xander asked, chuckling.

Lucas wiped his eyes. "Charlie's got a great sense of humor, Xander."

Charlie's grin faltered, noticing Xander's serious expression. "D-daddy, what's wrong?"

Xander's face softened. "Nothing's wrong, Baby. I just shared some amazing news with Drake."

Drake smiled. "Lucas, show Charlie the news."

Lucas's eyes sparkled. "We're having triplets, Charlie!"

Charlie's jaw dropped. "T-triplets? Oh my goodness!"

Xander beamed. "You're going to be an amazing uncle, Baby."

Charlie's laughter resumed, mingling with happy tears. " Congratulations, Lucas!"

As they celebrated, Xander wrapped Charlie in a warm hug. "Our family is growing, Baby. I know everything is very new to you but I promise to make you fit in with us."

Drake smiled, embracing Lucas. "We're blessed."

The room filled with joy, love, and anticipation for the new additions.

Xander's hand rested on Charlie's waist, guiding him through the palace's grand halls. Ancient tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of vampire history. Polished marble floors reflected the soft glow of candelabras.

Charlie's eyes widened as they passed by a suite of ornate furniture. "This looks like it's from the Renaissance."

Xander smiled. "It is. Our kingdom has preserved many artifacts."

As they strolled, Charlie's curiosity got the better of him. "Daddy, why did Lucas and Drake struggle to conceive?"

Xander's expression turned somber. "The Great Vampire War...it was brutal. Drake was severely injured."

Charlie's gaze locked onto Xander's. "What happened?"

Xander's voice dropped to a whisper. "The war raged for centuries. Our kingdom fought against the rogue vampires, the Shadowborn. They sought to overthrow our monarchy."

Charlie's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Drake led our forces," Xander continued. "In the final battle, he faced the Shadowborn's leader, Malakai. Drake suffered a fatal blow, a poisoned blade to the abdomen."

Charlie's gasp echoed through the hall.

"Our healers worked tirelessly," Xander said. "But the damage was done. Drake's reproductive magic was compromised."

Charlie's hand slipped into Xander's. "I'm so sorry."

Xander's fingers intertwined with Charlie's. "We thought he'd never have children. But Lucas's love and care have healed him in ways we never thought possible."

As they turned a corner, a majestic portrait caught Charlie's attention. "Who's that?"

Xander smiled. "Our ancestors, the founders of our kingdom. They forged alliances, built our empire."

Charlie's gaze roamed the painting. "They look powerful."

Xander chuckled. "They were. And their legacy lives on through us."

Their tour continued, with Charlie absorbing every detail of the palace's history.