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I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond to such naked sentiment from my usually sarcastic sister. “It was worth it,” I said finally. “You were worth it. And Talia... she makes everything worth it.”

Rava smiled. “Good. Now go before you’re late for your own anniversary.”

The smell of garlic and herbs from Silver Kettle’s kitchen filled the air.

The local fine dining establishment had delivered dinner twenty minutes ago, leaving me time to prepare the rest. I checked the table setting one last time, smoothing the cloth napkins beside simple white plates.

A bottle of Talia’s favorite wine chilled in a bucket of ice.

“Kaz? You home?”

The clock chimed six. Perfect timing. I lit the candles with a flick of my fingers and dimmed the lights. “In here.”

“You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had,” she groused as she swept into the dining room.

I turned from where I poured our wine, taking in the sight of her. Deep green dress hugged her curves, a slit exposing one toned leg as she moved. Her long dark hair hung loose around her shoulders. Candlelight danced in her amber eyes.

Fuck, she was gorgeous.

“Emil’s widow is making noise about reinstating the Malum clan to court,” she continued, pacing the length of the room. “As if we’d forget that bastard tried to kill us both.”

“Talia,” I tried to interrupt, gesturing to the table.

“And then—oh, you won’t believe this—Lady Korvan had the audacity to suggest her daughter would make an excellent lady-in-waiting, when everyone knows she’s just hoping to catch Griffin’s eye. As if I’d allow that scheming little shit?—”

I stepped into her path. “Talia.”

She paused, blinking at me as if just noticing my presence. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the rest of the scene. “Is there an occasion I’ve forgotten?”

I stared at her. “Did you forget what day it is?”

She tilted her head, expression innocently confused. “It’s... Tuesday?”

“...And?”

“And you’re too easy to tease.” Her smile turned wicked as her fingers toyed with the bow holding her dress together. “Do you really think I’d forget our anniversary?”

She tugged on the ties, letting the silky fabric fall open to reveal miles of smooth red skin. Black lace covered her breasts, edged with dark teal ribbon that drew my eye down to the matching panties. Hells.

“I had meetings all day,” she said, her voice dropping to a husky purr as she stepped closer. Her fingers traced the buttons of my shirt. “But all I’ve been thinking about is you.”

“What exactly were you thinking about?” I caught her wandering hand and pressed a kiss to the palm. “Besides torturing me, of course.”

“How much everything’s changed.” She splayed her other palm over my heart. “A year ago, I thought you were just another male trying to take what was mine.”

“And now?” My thumb traced circles on her captured wrist, right over her claiming mark.

“Now I’m happy.” She leaned in, her lips brushing my jaw.

“Just happy?” I teased, but my heart squeezed at the softness in her voice.

“I’ve never felt so safe or sure of my place in the world.” She pulled her hand free and slid both palms up my chest to link behind my neck. “Every morning, I wake up next to you and just want to laugh at how right it feels.”

I pressed my forehead to hers, breathing in the scent of jasmine and embers that was uniquely Talia. “Me, too,” I whispered. “More than I ever dared dream.”

“Those mornings are perfect.” She rose up on her toes to nip at my earlobe, her voice growing darker. “Though I have an idea that might make them even better.”

I closed my eyes as her teeth scraped along the mate mark on my neck. “Do you now?”

“Mhm.” Her breath teased my ear. “Well, multiple ideas, really. Several years in the making. You did promise a future queen and second son to me and the Kadhan clan.”

My heart slammed against my ribs at her words. Children. With her.

The image of little ones with Talia’s sharp smile and fire in their eyes sent a wave of longing through me. An image crystallized in my mind of training those little hellions. Teaching them to control their fire, to fight with honor, to lead with both strength and compassion.

I slid my hands down to her hips. “And you’re ready to start on that project tonight?”

“Maybe.” That wicked smile curved her lips, the one that always went straight to my cock. “Consider it our duty. And we’ll need to take it very seriously.”

I lifted her onto the edge of the table in one smooth motion. The candles flickered as she laughed, shadows dancing across her red skin. “Dinner’s going to get cold.”

“Let it.” She grabbed the wine bottle, skipping the glasses entirely to take a long pull straight from the neck. Her eyes locked with mine as she drank, then held it out to me. “We’ve got better things to celebrate.”

“To us.” I took the bottle, our fingers brushing in a moment that felt as charged as our first touch. “To the queen who captured my heart, and the future we’re building together.”

“To the king who proved me wrong about everything.” Talia’s eyes sparkled in the candlelight. “To us.”