Krevan's lips curved into a smile."Mother and my sisters will solve that problem.They've been waiting for someone to dress up Vallex-style."
After her shower, Ancelin slipped into her last clean pajamas, the soft fabric a small comfort against her sensitive skin.
"About your father's power crystal," Krevan said, his tone shifting to something more formal."Would you permit my father and me to handle negotiations with both governments?Our attorneys are prepared to assist us."
"Please do," she said, meeting his eyes."I'd only complicate things with tears or worse."She attempted a smile that made him chuckle."I trust your judgment.Safety is all I care about now."
When she embraced him, she winced."Everything's so tender," she murmured against his chest."I can't wait for this phase to pass.I can't spend the entire pregnancy unconscious."She lowered herself to the bed's edge, suddenly serious.“Krevan, there’s one thing I want input on.I want to be the one to name the power crystal.It deserves a special name.”
"Have you thought of a name for it?"Krevan asked.
Ancelin's eyes brightened despite her exhaustion."The Trever-Vallex Crystal," she said, her voice growing stronger."For both our families.For my father's memory.For you and your family."She reached for his hand."Handle the rest however you need to.Just keep us safe."
Krevan's throat tightened.He squeezed her fingers gently."I'll bring you into every decision," he promised."The Trever-Vallex Crystal..."He tested the name on his tongue."My father will be moved by this.My whole family will be.”He knelt before her, his eyes level with hers."You do us great honor."
His lips brushed against hers, and he tasted salt.
"We need to prepare," he said."We'll be landing on Triaxe soon, and my family will swarm us.I haven't seen them in years, and the entire Triaxen community is buzzing about my return with a mate."
"I'm happy for you," Ancelin said.
Krevan took her hands."You've changed everything for me.Wherever you go, I follow."
The shower had revived her, and his words warmed something inside her chest.She straightened her shoulders, feeling more ready to face the crowd awaiting them.
"You look better," he said with a smile.
She raised an eyebrow."Better?So, I looked terrible before?"
"No—I meant—" he stammered, watching her expression harden."Your clothes are—you're clean now—even in pajamas—" He ran a hand through his hair."Gods, for someone so small, you terrify me sometimes."He laughed nervously."The feared ex-Hellgate Triaxen, reduced to babbling by one look from you."
Ancelin's mouth twitched, but she maintained her stern gaze.
"You're beautiful," he said firmly."And when we're home, we'll find you proper clothes."
They entered the dining area where Vida and Aiden sat with Tray, coffee mugs in hand.Vida looked immaculate, as always.The men rose when Ancelin approached, waiting until she settled beside Vida.
"Hungry?"Krevan asked."You've barely eaten in two days."
"I'll have whatever's safe for Earth humans," Ancelin said.
"Coming right up, my sweet."Krevan squeezed her shoulder before heading toward the food station.
Vida leaned forward, clasping Ancelin's hand."You look better.I was worried when you slept for so long, though it's perfectly normal in early pregnancy.I was the same way.Has Krevan been taking good care of you?"
"He's barely left my side," Ancelin said, her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes."Though I feel terrible—he's been sleeping on the floor while I took the cot.It couldn't have been comfortable."
Aiden waved dismissively."He's endured far worse conditions.That floor was practically luxurious by comparison."
Vida nodded in agreement."I've scheduled you with a Triaxen obstetrician for tomorrow.Afterward, we'll visit my favorite shopping district for lunch and new clothes."Her eyes flickered over Ancelin's pajamas."I can lend you something more...suitable...for the appointment."
"Suitable?"Ancelin's voice pitched higher.“Oh, no I look terrible.”
"I just meant—" Vida backpedaled, "—you're lovely, truly.But those pajamas won't do for meeting half of Triaxe."
“I understand.I only have clean pajamas left.”Ancelin tugged at her sleepwear.“My other clothes were in an unfortunate accident.And I used my spare set as pajamas.The baby’s definitely affecting my brain.”
“Don’t worry,” Vida said.“Everyone will adore you.We do.You practically ran away from Verrian in whatever you had on.”
