“It’s going to be just fine,” she tells me. “They’re going to love you just as much as I do.”
I turn to look at her, a smile tugging at my lips. “Hopefully not that much.” I wink, and she giggles.
The sound warms something deep in my chest.
“You know what I mean.”
I do.
I narrow my eyes, cupping her face with my hand. She looks pale, and there’s a tightness around her eyes that wasn’t there this morning.
“How are you feeling?”
Isla wrinkles her nose. “A little nauseous, but I’ll manage.”
“Are you sure, my love?” I squeeze her hand again, studying her face. “You look overly pale.”
“I’m fine. Stop fussing. I’ll let you know if it changes.”
I want to argue, but the riders are already making their way toward us. Orion and Damon take the lead, their strides long and purposeful. Behind them come two others I recognize, but barely. It has been many summers since I saw them.
With my free hand, I raise an arm and wave.
Orion and Damon wave back.
“What do you say we walk to meet them?” I give a small tug on Isla’s hand.
She shoots me a look. “I’m pregnant, not an invalid. Yes, let’s go.”
“I thought I would check, since you definitely look a little pale. If you don’t feel up to it, excuse yourself at any time.” I lean closer, lowering my voice. “You’re growing a princess, which is very important work.”
“Or a prince,” she says out of the corner of her mouth.
“Or a prince,” I agree, smiling.
We start forward together, our pace unhurried. The clearing stretches before us. Shifterfae line the path, some in their fae forms, others still wearing the shapes of beasts. A thornback watches us pass, its many eyes tracking our movement. A pair of hy-weres sit on their haunches near the tree line, ears swiveling toward the approaching kings.
The two groups meet halfway.
Orion reaches me first. His grip is firm when he clasps my forearm, his eyes bright.
“It is good to see you, Sebastian.” He inclines his head.
“And you.” I release his arm and turn to Damon. The Icefae King looks good dressed all in leather.
Isla hugs them both.
“Welcome,” I tell him. “All of you.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Damon says with a half-smile. “Besides, someone had to make sure Orion didn’t get lost.”
Orion snorts.
I turn my attention to the two fae who stand behind them. One is tall and muscular, with bright blue eyes and long dark brown hair. The other is equally imposing, blond-haired with green eyes that study me with open curiosity.
“Sebastian, Isla,” Orion says, “allow me to introduce Xander, king of the bloodfae. Although I am sure you’ve already met each other, Sebastian.”
The dark-haired one steps forward and offers his hand. His grip is strong and measured. “I’ve heard a great deal about you both.”
