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I glance back over my shoulder at Darwin. He shrugs.
I pull my phone out of the pocket of my trackies and text Charlie and Gabe to pick up extra groceries.
When Callan doesn’t do anything threatening, I pull Darwin back to the kitchen island with me. He moves his bowl and mixer around so he can stand next to me. I shift myself between Darwin and his father again before I finish up the batter.
Callan rises smoothly and perches on one of the island stools. He doesn’t try to flank me, but he’s closer to Darwin than I’d like.
“I appreciate your protectiveness of my son, Miss Nowak,” he says.
“I’m engaged to your son; you might as well call me Teddy.”
His full lips—exactly the size and shape of Darwin’s—tip in a smile. It’s not innocent and it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Teddy, then. I’m pleased to see that he’s acquired a fierce protector—”
“Three fierce protectors,” I tell him.
“Three. That’s ... unusual, son.”
“There are polyamorous groups in the courts,” Darwin murmurs, not lifting his eyes from the potatoes he’s still whipping. Those are definitely done.
“There are,” Callan agrees. “You’d need to be careful to preserve paternity but I have no objection to you having multiple mates.”
“Thank you,” Darwin says.
I absolutely hate that Callan’s giving Darwinpermissionto love who he loves.
“Paternity won’t be an issue for a while,” I tell him. “We have plans to travel.”
Callan looks from his son’s bowed head to me. “I would appreciate it if you submitted those plans to Ferdia so she can make suitable arrangements, and you will need to visit the court in any territory you pass through to avoid offense, but otherwise I don’t object to you traveling. You will, of course, keep in mind the ten-year requirement.”
I narrow my eyes at him.
“What ten-year requirement?”
“Princes and princesses of the blood have ten years to procreate with their chosen and provide an heir,” Callan tells me. “After that, they must do their duty to the line.”
“And by duty, you mean—?”
“He means there’s a divorce,” Darwin says. “Even if the royal doesn’t want to forsake their mate. They’re forced to mate someone who can produce an heir.”
I gently turn off the mixer and slide my arm around Darwin. “Look at me,” I whisper to him.
His tarnished silver eyes rise to meet mine.
“Together,” I remind him.
“Teddy bear ...” he murmurs.
“Together,” I say firmly.
He nods.
“Without wishing to interrupt this tender moment, my son has an unbreakable duty to his family. It’s part of his bloodline. And while your ability to break your bloodline is most impressive, Teddy, I wouldnotsuggest you try the same trick with Darwin’s. I would be deeply offended.”
He’d also be without a son. Not that he doesn’t have others.
When neither Darwin nor I say anything, Callan sighs. “Your combined powers are impressive. I felt you remove the bands. It was well done. I’m pleased with your progress, son. I’m here to encourage, not punish.”
“That would be something new and different,” I grumble.
