Carus’ eyes twinkled, and he knelt as Thia held out a petal to him. “Thia,” he said seriously. “What is my name?”
Her tiny brow creased. “What Cari want?”
Morgen barked out a laugh, and Carus tipped his head back before he patiently reminded her, “Carus, Thia. My name is Carus.”
She frowned but didn’t reply, returning to her pile of petals, raptly focused on selecting another.
“I don’t even know why I try,” Carus muttered, watching her with a rueful smile as she toddled over to Morgen.
“Thank you, darling,” Morgen said when Thia slapped an entire handful of petals into his hand. He glanced at Carusand added, “She isn’t even two, Carus. She’s actually speaking incredibly well for her?—”
“Blah, blah, yes, proud parent speech,” Carus said, waving his hand just as Rhiann practically tripped over his own feet running into the room.
“Mama, they’re here!” he said, jumping up and down, faint streaks of gold sparking in his blue eyes.
While Thia was like a tiny replica of Nya, Rhiann was mostly his grandmother’s lookalike, with large blue eyes and a round nose. His magic seemed mostly fire-based so far, though, which had proved to be a bit of a disaster; several temper tantrums had resulted in burns that healed quickly but always detoured into a long session of tears.
“Should you really be going to council meetings right now?” Carus asked Nya, brow raised.
She rolled her eyes as she started to push herself off the chair. “Right, of course. Because letting Morgen lead the council meetings issucha good idea.”
Morgen strode over, taking her hand and helping her up. “You’re so mean to me,” he said, though his tone was fond.
“I’m not mean, I’m just correct, and everyone here knows it.”
Rhiann snickered, and Carus flicked his nose. “You have no respect, tiny,” he said.
“I grew three inches this year!” Rhiann insisted, screeching as Carus ruffled his hair.
Morgen huffed, shaking his head, but said to Nya in a low voice, “He brings up a good point, Nya.”
“I will be fine,” she said, softening her tone and touching his cheek. “I’ll be downstairs, over the border.”
He took a breath, placing a hand over her rounded belly. “Sol will be there today.”
“I’m aware. I was the one who ordered him to come to this meeting, somethingyoucould have protested if you wanted to.”
“It is time he shows up,” he grumbled, absentmindedly swiping his thumb back and forth. “I just wish it was not necessary right now.”
“I would say you could just come with me if you’re that worried, but I’m afraid you might kill him for…I don’t know, speaking? And as much as I’d love to let you, that would be a horrible diplomatic decision. Not to mention, I’m not sure I trust Carus to keep Rhiann from burning the entire palace down.”
He sighed, dropping to his knees and pressing a kiss to her belly. “You are right, as usual. Just…maybe sit far away from him. As far as possible.”
Thia shrieked suddenly, running past them with something in her hands, and Rhiann screamed, “Thia, that ismybook!”
Morgen pressed his forehead against her for a moment, then stood and said calmly, “Thia, darling, please give your brother his book back. I’ll find you one with pictures instead.”
Thia paused mid-motion, her hands still outstretched towards the chair she was attempting to scale. “Big lizzas?”
“Yes, love, the one with dragons,” he said, scooping her up and subtly handing Rhiann the book. “Though, I’m afraid if you keep referring to Varax as a big lizard, her goodwill may soon run out.”
Nya smiled and took the opportunity to slip from the room. When she stepped into the hallway, Morgen said down the pathway,Promise to be alert and let me know right away if anything seems amiss?
I promise. Stop worrying.
No promises. I love you.
Her lips twitched, and she rested a hand on her belly.I love you.
