He smiles at that—one of those rare, soft smiles. “True. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
An hour later, we’re standing in front of the shimmering portal in our courtyard. Anson bounces on his toes, his dark hair—so like Kieran’s—falling into his eyes. He’s four now, all energy and curiosity and questions that never stop.
“Mama, will there be other kids there?” he asks for the third time.
“Yes, sweetheart. Queen Astra has a daughter. She’s a little older than you.”
“What’s her name again?”
“Jaylene.”
Bella tugs on my hand. She’s three, with my eyes and Kieran’s serious expression. “Mama, I don’t want to go through the portal. It feels weird.”
I crouch down to her level, smoothing her hair back. “I know, baby. But it’s the fastest way. And your papa will hold your hand the whole time.”
Veer, almost two, clings to Kieran’s leg. She hasn’t said a word all morning, just watches everything with those huge eyes of hers. She’s the quiet one, the observer. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in that little head.
“Ready?” Kieran asks, and there’s gentleness in his voice. The quality he only uses with me and our children.
I nod. He takes Bella’s hand and hoists Veer up onto his hip. I take Anson’s hand, squeezing tight, and we step through together.
The portal feels like drowning and flying at the same time. My stomach lurches, the world spins wildly, and then we’re stumbling out onto smooth, marble floors.
The palace courtyard spreads before us, familiar and yet always breathtaking. Five years of visiting, and I still catch my breath at the sight of the white stone gleaming in the sunlight, the gardens stretching as far as I can see.
“Daciana!”
I look up and there she is. Astra. My friend. My queen.
She’s moving toward me, arms outstretched, and after dropping my son’s hand, I’m running before I can think about it. We collide in a hug that nearly knocks us both over, laughing and crying at the same time.
“I missed you,” she says into my shoulder.
“I missed you, too.” I pull back to look at her. “You look good. Tired, but good.”
“Selene’s been driving me crazy with all her preparations.” Astra rolls her eyes, but there’s fondness there. “She’s nesting like a madwoman.”
A small hand tugs on Astra’s dress, and I look down to see a little girl peeking out from behind her. Jaylene. Gods, she’s beautiful. Long, dark hair like Lucian’s, Astra’s delicate features, and those striking eyes that seem to see everything.
I crouch down to the ground, making myself smaller, less threatening. “Hello, Jaylene.”
She looks at her mother, uncertain.
“Go on,” Astra says gently. “This is my friend I told you about. You can say hello.”
Jaylene takes a tentative step forward, then another. Her small hand reaches out, and I take it carefully. Her fingers are warm and soft.
“Hi,” she whispers.
“Hi, sweetness.” I smile at her. “I’ve heard so much about you. Your mama tells me you’re learning to garden?”
She nods, a tiny smile blooming on her face.
“That’s wonderful. Maybe you can show me later!” I glance back at where my children hover behind Kieran. “I brought someone for you to meet. Would you like that?”
Another nod.
I gesture to Anson. “Come here, baby.”
