Page 175 of Destiny of a King

“He may command there but here I am king and I command.”

Fiora grinned. “And complain.”

“I do not complain. I issue reasonable observations.”

“You issue orders.”

“As a king is duty-bound to do,” Dravic argued.

“And I am a fairy⁠—”

“Duty bound to obey her king.”

She laughed. “You can be hilarious at times.”

“Watch your tongue with me, Fiora,” he warned.

She flew directly in front of his face. “Admit it to me. You missed sparing with me when I was gone.”

“I enjoyed every peaceful moment.”

“You worried about me,” she said, continuing to laugh.

“I wondered if you finally got what you deserved… a good swat.”

Fiora gasped dramatically. “Adira! Did you hear what your husband⁠—”

A sharp gasp stopped her.

Dravic turned instantly.

Adira stood several feet away, one hand pressed to the underside of her rounded stomach.

He was beside her before Fiora could move. “What is wrong?”

Adira took a breath.

“Are you hurt?”

“Nay.”

“What is it?”

Another sensation caught her, and her hand went to his arm.

Dravic’s heart began pounding. “Adira?”

She looked up at him. “It is time.”

He stared at her, the words yet to sink in.

“The bairns are ready.”

Dravic froze. Then his brow drew together. “Bairns?”

Adira smiled.

Dravic stared at her stomach and then at her. “What do you mean, bairns?”