I knew why he had done what he had. But something quiet shifted between us. He didn’t push. He didn’t pry. Fyn knew it, too.
Cora sat across from him, assessing me as I sipped my tea.
“They’re coming here?” I knew it wouldn’t last, the peace—the stillness.
“When they see her transformed…” Her voice trailed off.
Lioran stared at the fire—the flicker illuminated the outline of his clenched jaw. “I will handle it. Before they get here, I will need to see the divide.”
“I’m coming with you,” Fyn interjected.
“So am I.” I stood, setting my teacup beside me.
Lioran gripped my hand in his. “It’s too dangerous. We don’t know what we will encounter.” His eyes pleaded with mine. I wouldn’t be silent. I wouldn’t stay behind.
“Our numbers are strong. She will be safe.” Fyn’s hand shifted under his chin. “I will stand at her side.”
“I can handle it. The tea works well.” I smirked at him.
“Care to fill the rest of us in? Why does Aelira need tea?” Fyn chuckled.
Cora sat in silence, watching me—waiting.She knew.
“We’ve been waiting to tell you.” Lioran wrapped his arms around me. “Aelira is pregnant.”
A smile spread across my lips. I lowered Lioran’s hand over my stomach—letting him feel the whirl. It quickly became our favorite sensation.
“That is why you asked…” Fyn went still, his smirk fell flat. “You wanted to save them both. You could have told me… You…” He stopped.
“He didn’t even tell me,” I said, looking at Fyn for the first time since the Grove. I felt his pain. I felt mine. It wouldn’t fix everything, but for now it had to be enough.
“Then how did you know, Lioran?” Cora asked.
“I felt the baby’s magic the night we bonded.” Lioran swallowed hard.
Fyn shook his head as a smirk danced across his face. “You two waste no time…”
“It is wonderful news,” Cora said, but still, something lingered unsaid.
“You knew?” I whispered as she hugged me.
“I just figured it out,” she said. “All of my visions had been of the Grove. Until just yesterday…when I saw something new.”
“Aelira, I need you to stay here,” Lioran interjected.
“Lythira is my home. These are my people. I am going,” I insisted. “I refuse to live my life in fear.”
I felt his muscles bulge under my fingertips. “Our united front is more important now than ever. I will be there beside you, protecting you every step of the way,” Lioran said.
“Princess Aelira, you have my sword now and always.” Fyn bowed his head. “If someone so much as looks at you the wrong way…”
I laughed—it felt so good to laugh.
“The sentiment is nice, Fyn, but keep the sword sheathed,” I said.
“The two of you…” Lioran chuckled.
Cora smirked. “Who will keep an eye on Fyn?”
