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Sir Jimmy’s eyes are kind when he asks, “And what does this new love mean to you?”

I don’t flinch from his intent appraisal. “All my very long life, I’ve felt too much, more than could be contained within even this enormous body. I’ve raged and stomped, and launched my knitting—done great damage to an occasional doily—and generally felt like a bull in a china shop, according to your realm’s expression. But since earning my Lady’s acceptance, I feel calm in my soul, peace in my body, a sense of belonging that has meant a total shift in my perspective. I now realize that all my life was the prelude and Bianca’s arrival is the true beginning of my story, one I’ll be proud to share with our children one day.”

“That’s beautiful, Lord Archie—it really is. But I’d feel better if you assured me that Bianca can safely give birth to…” He waves his hands at my massive form. “… a child of yours, or Pennie, or Nico. I’m less worried about Bastien.”

I nod my understanding. “Don’t fret about that. Our biology knows what to do. Regardless of the size of the male species, the infant begins the appropriate size for the female. Our future children, if we are fortunate enough to experience that miracle, will be no larger than a human infant. And birthing will occur in Pennie’s pool, so our Lady will never suffer even the pain of a normal human birth.” Holding his gaze, I add as earnestly as I can, “We will never allow harm to come to her, Sir. I swear it.”

“I believe you, and thank you for sharing. I don’t want to overstep too much, but I’ve got some wiggle room since all of this is a little out of bounds. I used to just worry she’d date a drummer.”

I chuckle, glad she’ll never have that dubious honor.

When the exterior door opens, we both glance toward it, finding Remy entering. One look at his pensive aspect and I know the news is not good.

Chapter49

Bianca

Not divinely soft feathers.

Not warm ridges and smooth scales.

Not Archie’s leathery skin.

No, it’s fur that surrounds me and I smell heaven, the streets after a spring rain, cinnamon rolls baking, the salty tang of the ocean.

Nico.

I know I’m sleeping, dreaming, but I don’t want to wake because I’m in his arms, sighing and snuggling into him.

“I miss you,” I whisper.

“I think only of you,” he says, his voice rich and melodious.

“I’m going to get you back.”

His fur brushes against my forehead as he kisses me. “I wouldn’t have you waste a moment of your happy, loved life seeking the impossible.”

I run my fingers through his thick fur. “It’s not a perfectly happy, loved life without you, Nico. It’s happy. I’m loved and I love. But you promised me four monsters and only four monsters will do.”

“Remycould be one of your monsters,” he says, as though struggling to find his words. “He’s powerful and connected… he could be yours.”

I gag, considering dream hurling onto Nico’s lush fur. “Don’t even suggest that. Remy isn’t mine. I’m as certain of that as I am that youaremine. Nico, you aren’t replaceable—not ever—and I need you back.”

“I don’t know what I did to deserve to be the first monster who entered your life, but for that honor, I am forever grateful. I regret nothing.”

I snort. “Youcan regret nothing, but until I get you back, regret is what I’m eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

He’s holding me closer now and I’m breathing him in, wanting this to be real while knowing it isn’t.

Then his body stiffens and he utters a harsh cry. Pain envelops us both and I scream and flinch from sleep. Trembling, I’m grabbed by Bastien and Pennie as they seek to soothe me.

“It’s Nico—they’re hurting him.”

Pennie’s voice is tight. “It was just a dream, my Lady.”

“It wasreal.”

Brushing his hand on my face, he murmurs, “It’s not possible to reach beyond the realms without a portal and certainly not to feel someone on another plane of existence.”