He rose to his feet and offered Tamira his son, which surprised and delighted her at once.
"Can you hold him while I get it? If he fusses, give him to Jacki."
"I would love to hold him." Tamira extended her arms, and Darius went willingly to her.
The feeling of holding a baby was intoxicating. "Hello, precious one." She smiled at him. "My name is Tamira, and this handsome fellow next to me is Elias."
"Wias," Darius repeated.
"Close enough," Eluheed said. "Can you say Tamira?"
The boy lifted his face so he could see her and gave her a toothy smile. "Pwetty."
Eluheed laughed. "You have good taste, young man, but this pretty lady is mine. You will have to find your own."
Tamira was sure that Darius had no idea what Eluheed was saying, even though his serious expression suggested otherwise.
"Gwa," he said. "My."
"Oh boy." Kalugal sauntered into the living room holding a large photograph in his hand. "I'm glad Kian is not here. I'm sure he would have something to say about my son claiming his daughter as his."
Tamira's eyes widened. "Is Gwa what he calls Allegra?"
Kalugal nodded. "Darius is in love. I just hope that it goes away when he gets older because Allegra doesn't seem to be interested in younger men."
He plucked Darius from Tamira's arms with one hand while handing her the photograph with the other. "This was taken for Darien's fake passport. It was a long time ago, but since Darien is immortal, he should still look the same today. The picture is old and faded, but with today's tools, that's not a problem. I enlarged and enhanced the image."
Tamira didn't breathe as she looked down at the photograph clasped in her hand.
And there he was.
Her beautiful son.
His features were refined, almost delicate, with high cheekbones and a strong jaw. His hair was dark, like hers, and his eyes were hers. The same color, the same shape, the same depth, and the same hint of sadness lurking behind the surface.
Tears blurred her vision, and she blinked them back furiously.
"He's beautiful," she whispered.
"He looks very much like you," Kalugal agreed. "What did his father look like?"
She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to contain the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "I'm ashamed to admit that I don't remember his father. He was just another human servant in the harem, and they all looked a little like Navuh. Similar height and coloring. I made a point never to get attached to any of them."
She traced her finger over the photograph. "But I got very attached to my Darien, even though I did my best not to. I loved him from the first time I felt him moving inside my womb. Then he was taken away from me, and part of me died that day."
Eluheed put his hand over hers, offering his support, and she appreciated the gesture because she needed it.
Jacki returned with a tray of coffee, setting it on the table before them. She took one look at Tamira's tear-streaked face, and the photograph in her hands, and her expression softened with understanding.
"Your son is so handsome," Jacki said quietly. "He has your face, but the masculine version of it."
"Thank you." Tamira carefully set the photograph on her lap, not wanting to let it go. "Can I—would it be possible to get a copy of this?"
"It's yours. I made this for you."
"Thank you," she whispered, because she was too choked up to speak. "This means the world to me."
"You're welcome." Kalugal transferred Darius back to his wife and crossed his legs at the knee. "Let me see what I remember about Darien." He smoothed his hand over his goatee. "I was surprised when he was placed under my command. My father preferred to keep his sons away from each other, the adopted ones as well as those who were his by blood, to prevent them from conspiring against him. But Darien was young, and he didn't have the right constitution to be a warrior. Navuh hoped I would be able to whip him into shape."
