He steps forward, all confidence until he actually sees Jaylene. He stops dead, his eyes going wide. A flush creeps up his neck.
I watch it happen in real time. The way he straightens his shoulders. The way he suddenly becomes very aware of his hair falling in his face. The way he stares at her like she’s made of starlight.
Oh no.
“This is my oldest, Anson,” I say, trying not to laugh.
Anson just stares. And stares.
Then he says, loudly enough for everyone in the courtyard to hear, “Mama, she’s so pretty!”
Astra and I burst into laughter at the same time. I feel my face flush, half mortified and half delighted. That’s my boy—direct as always.
Before I can say anything, there’s movement behind Astra. Lucian appears, moving with that silent, predatory grace that still makes my warrior instincts sit up and take notice. His eyes lock onto Jaylene, then shift to Anson, and his entire demeanor darkens.
In one smooth motion, he swoops in, scoops Jaylene up into his arms, and starts walking away.
“No,” he says flatly. “Not today. Not ever.”
“Lucian!” Astra calls after him, but she’s laughing too hard to sound stern.
“I mean it!” he calls back without turning around. “She’s five! And he’s four! It starts with ‘she’s pretty’ and ends with me killing suitors!”
“Papa, put me down!” Jaylene giggles, squirming in his grip.
“Absolutely not. We’re going inside where there are no boys around.”
I grin at Astra, who shakes her head, still laughing. “He’s been like this since the day she was born,” she says. “The male guards aren’t even allowed to make eye contact with her.”
“Can you blame him?” I stand back up, watching Lucian disappear into the palace with his daughter. “She’s gorgeous. And judging by Anson’s reaction, he’s already smitten.”
“They’re just kids,” Astra says, but she’s grinning. “Though Lucian acts like she’s already eighteen and about to elope.”
I laugh, then turn to properly introduce my other children. “These are my daughters, Bella and Veer.”
Astra crouches down, her smile warm and genuine. “Hello, beautiful girls. I’m so happy to meet you.”
Bella, ever the brave one, steps forward and curtsies—somewhat clumsily, but the effort is there. “Hello, Your Majesty.”
“You can call me Astra,” she says gently. “We’re family.”
Veer just stares, thumb in her mouth.
“Come on,” Astra says, rising. “Let’s get you all settled in. Selene is resting right now, but she’ll be thrilled to see you later. And I’m sure Lucian will let Jaylene come back out once he’s done being ridiculous.”
We follow her inside, the children chattering excitedly. Kieran’s hand finds mine, his fingers lacing through my own. I glance up at him, and he’s smiling—that rare, soft smile that’s just for me.
“See?” I murmur. “That wasn’t so bad.”
“Ask me again after Lucian tries to murder our son for looking at his daughter.”
I elbow him in the ribs.
Selene looks radiant.
That’s the only word for it. She is propped up in bed, her swollen belly enormous beneath the silk sheets, her blonde hair spread out on the pillows like a halo. When she sees me, her face lights up.
“Daciana!” She tries to sit up, but I’m already moving forward, pressing her back down.
