She drew back and we both stared down at this precious little bundle of pink skin and white cloth and…
The whole picture blurred.
Wrapping my arms around my daughter on the bed, I leaned over her, dropped my head to the bed and wept.
Diadre’s hands in my hair, and her cheek on my head, only fed more tears.
I had no idea how long I lay there with my family, trying to assimilate this new information—thishope.But when I finally looked up, we were alone in the room and Diadre smiled at me through tears.
“It’s true. We’re safe. It’s over, Jann.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“I know, but you will. She’s going to be beautiful, strong and fierce. We need a name that will declare her for the fighter she’ll be and—”
“Adiya,” I breathed.
Diadre blinked.
I swallowed. “Adiya. It meansgift.She’s a gift. She’s… she’s the best gift, Dee.”
Then she smiled and nodded. “You’re right. It’s perfect.”
I looked down at our daughter and shook my head in disbelief. When I looked back up to ask Diadre if she was in pain, I found her staring at me, a peaceful smile on her face, but her gaze far away.
“What is it?” I asked her.
“Just your eyes… when you’re looking at her.”
I frowned. “What do you mean? What about them?”
Her smile softened and she reached for my hand. “Nothing. They’re just my favorite shade of green.”
EPILOGUE Pt. 1
Four Years Later
~ MELEK ~
I leaned on the frame of the doorway from our chamber in the Theynor Palace, out onto the covered balcony, grinning.
Jann leaned on the wall next to me, muttering about how the food was better here, but there was more of it in Ebonreach, as he stuffed another biscuit into his mouth and chewed noisily.
Except I only had half an ear for him.
This morning had been busy. Mael had woken us early, darting into our room chirping about how I’d promised to take him riding today, just as the sun was rising. His innocence and sheer joy for life was a blessing I never wanted to be without. But my son was theworstcock-blocker I’d ever met.
At almost five years old, he had little interest in having the Royal schedule explained to him. To learn that he’d have to wait for the afternoon before we could ride. He’d screamed his displeasure, until I’d been forced to carry him back to his roomby his foot, and remind him that he wouldn’t be allowed to go ridingat allif he didn’t learn to control his anger.
He’d swallowed his cries eventually, and we’d invited Jann and Diadre to bring Adiya for breakfast, in the hopes it would distract him. But he’d been sullen all morning. Now, he defied his mother.
“…as a prince, it is your God-given purpose to think of others, to be hospitable, and to offer assistance where you can.”
“I don’twantto!” he whined, stamping his foot.
Jann’s brows shot up, as I pushed away from the door and started towards my son, working hard to remain stern, but notfrightening.
“Mael?” I said quietly as I reached them.
