Page 170 of Destiny of a King

Fiora darted to Adira’s shoulder. “See? I told you he would be angry.”

Dravic’s eyes sparked with anger.

“You said furious,” Adira corrected.

Dravic glared at them both.

“She needed time to improve,” Fiora said.

“She needed no improving,” Dravic snapped.

Adira smiled, hearing him defend her. That had not changed.

Dravic pointed at Fiora. “You, however, remain a bloody nuisance.”

“And yet I found her before you did.”

“I am going to find a good cage to keep you in,” Dravic threatened.

“A cage, you say.” Fiora let loose with a hearty laugh. “You’d have to catch me first. Something you haven’t been able to do since I snuck into your castle.” She flew up away from him. “I will leave you two alone since I take pity on you for taking so long to find her.”

Her laughter followed her as she disappeared into the trees.

Dravic shook his head. “Bloody fairies.”

Adira smiled and took his hand, leading him toward the cottage.

He followed, his gaze dropping again to the roundness of her stomach. He was going to be a father, secure an heir to the throne, see his bloodline survive, but most importantly, it would not be accomplished because of duty. It would be done out of love.

He tightened his hand around hers.

Adira glanced at him.

“I am making certain you do not disappear again.”

“I am not going anywhere.”

“I will have your word on that,” he ordered.

She gave it without hesitation. “You have my word.”

“Good,” he said, overwhelmed with relief.

They reached the cottage, and Adira led him inside.

The door barely closed behind them when he said, “You owe me an explanation.”

Adira’s brow rose.

“You left me sleeping and disappeared.”

Adira took hold of both his hands. “I did not leave because I stopped loving you.”

“That was never a question in my mind.”

She was relieved to hear that and explained, “I needed to know who I was.”

Dravic said nothing. He listened.