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M aris was jolted awake by a profound rumbling, like an earthquake. Her eyes fluttered open just as Isen stood from the makeshift bed. He tied his sword to his waist while leaving the cabin. Maris’s heart dropped. She stood up, eyed Melvian sleeping with a baby on either side of her, and grabbed the trident as she rushed out after Isen.

“Horses, lots of them,” Isen said as Maris stood next to him. In the distance, a dense cloud of sand formed as the rumbling grew louder. “It could be anybody.”

With a huff, Maris pushed past him, stepping away from the tents and broken-down cabins they had used as a refuge for the past day.

A throng of people headed their way, some on horses, others in wagons.

“Vulcanians?” Isen asked, joining her once more, his hand on the handle of his sword.

“I don’t think so.” At the head of the multitude, Maris could make out a rider with unruly black hair. From the rider’s horse, a black mass of fur jumped to the sandy ground and ran towards Maris.

Valda.

Her mate smiled brightly before kicking her horse into a harder gallop.

A sense of relief washed over Maris as her mate waved her arms and called to her. Warmth spread through her, settling in her stomach.

“Lower your weapons!” Maris ordered, putting her trident away and waving her hand at the surrounding guards. “It’s Queen Valda!”

Isen made a surprised sound before peering at Maris. “What? Are you sure? ”

“Of course, I am sure!” Maris said, pushing past the men guarding her and began running toward her mate.

Maris was tired of being apart. If Valda told her they needed to separate again for another mission, she wouldn’t have it. She wouldn’t be apart from her again! She watched Valda jump clumsily off her horse and run to her the rest of the way.

Within seconds, Valda’s embrace enveloped Maris. Valda held her tightly by the waist, pressing her face to the crook of her neck, breathing her in. Maris forgot the people behind her, watching their interaction. She didn’t even notice when the people that came with Valda mingled with hers. All that mattered was that Valda was in her arms and safe.

If it wasn’t for Cerberus rubbing aggressively against her leg, Maris would’ve forgotten about everything. Looking down, the ball of fur bumped her head harshly on Maris’s knee before throwing herself on the ground, exposing her stomach and stretching her paws.

“Well, hello to you too!” Maris said to Cerberus before Valda drew her back into the hug. “And welcome back, darling,” Maris said, melting into Valda’s arms before pulling away and inspecting her. She wanted to make sure she was safe and uninjured from her travels.

Valda was dirty, had sand everywhere, but other than that she was fine. After being ignored, Cerberus ran off to one tent, probably looking for someone that might feed her for the time being.

Valda flashed her a smile again, refusing to release her hold. “I brought company.” Valda said, turning to the large throng of Skylians and Sealians mingling together. Families and friends reunited in warm embraces and relieved cries.

“You had no problem getting them all on board?”

“Not at all,” Valda answered, straightening her back and looking behind her. “We got everyone ready in a day. Thankfully, they spared more supplies, so heading back to the Sea Kingdom should go smoothly.”

Maris scoffed; a weight lifted off her chest. Valda didn’t encounter any trouble unlike her… Now she had to find a way to tell her that the plan to get the Vulcanians to join them might not be as easy as moving all the Sealians.

Looking up at Valda, Maris couldn’t help but take in the darker shade on her nose, cheek and forehead. Her mate needed some tending to, and she was more than willing to give her whatever she needed.

Swallowing hard, Maris clasped Valda’s jaw firmly before kissing her deeply. Valda didn’t pull away, and even if she tried, Maris wasn’t planning on letting her go .

The taller woman tilted her head to slot their lips better, her arms coming to wrap around Maris’s waist again. A sudden warmth spread from Maris’s chest down to her lower stomach as Valda’s soft moans vibrated against her.

“Gods, I’ve missed you so,” Maris said, pulling away just enough to stare at Valda’s tired eyes.

“I’ve missed you too, Seashell,” Valda whispered before taking a step back. This time, Valda took her time, her honeyed eyes roaming over Maris as though she were searching for something hidden beneath the surface. She reached out, her calloused fingers brushing Maris’s shoulder. Maris winced involuntarily at the contact.

Valda’s brows furrowed, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, her touch grew more deliberate, moving gently to Maris’s neck and face, her thumb grazing along Maris’s jaw as though to soothe her. Finally, Valda tugged at the long sleeve of Maris’s tunic, pulling it up to reveal the darkened, mottled spots left by her burns.

Valda froze, her expression hardening into one of fury as her gaze locked onto the marks.

Her eyes shot at Maris’s face. “I knew it.”

Anger overtook her features as she yanked the sleeve further up, exposing more of Maris’s arm all the way to her shoulder.

“Valda, I—”

“Who did this to you?” Valda asked, her voice sharp, with no space for Maris to fight.

Of course, lying wasn’t going to work. Valda must’ve felt everything through the bond; the fear, dread, nervousness, and above all else, the determination to get through Kenna.

Swallowing hard, Maris pulled at Valda’s arm and dragged her through the multitude into a large tent.

Once inside, Valda stood in the middle, arms crossed, and Maris couldn’t help but steal a look or two. She wouldn’t admit it, but seeing Valda angry had its charms to it…

“Keep your wits about you, Valda,” Maris warned, touching the spots on her arms and looking away from Valda. She needed to concentrate on what she was going to say rather than how delicious Valda looked, even though she was covered in dirt.

Valda took a deep breath and nodded. Maris knew she was trying her hardest to stay calm; she could feel the struggle through their bond.

“Queen Kenna and a group of Vulcanians stormed Titania hours after you left. ”

Valda went rigid, the muscles of her forearms moving under her tanned skin. She swallowed hard and took another deep breath before saying, “You escaped before all of that, right?”

Maris shook her head. “No. I fought her.”

“Have you lost your mind?!” Valda roared.

“I couldn’t leave, Valda. Melvian had just given birth—”

“What?!” Valda’s eyes grew wider before she ran her hands through her hair and turning away from Maris.

Maris allowed her a couple of seconds to compose herself. Valda’s back was tense, her shoulders moving up and down with every heavy breath she took. Turning her neck, she locked eyes with Maris, disbelief painted all over her features.

“Melvian gave birth?”

“Yes… When I was dealing with all of that, I heard a commotion outside. Kenna was looking for you. I needed to stop her and convince her that you didn’t kill her father.”

“She could’ve killed you, Maris!” Valda bellowed; her hands tightened to fists by her sides.

“But she didn’t.”

“But she could’ve! I could’ve—” Valda’s lower lip trembled. “Fuck!” Valda walked to Maris and embraced her in an overbearing hug. “I felt you. I felt your fear and yet I—”

“You did what you needed to do, Valda. You brought everyone here safely,” Maris said, her hands rubbing Valda’s back, feeling the rippling muscles underneath the blouse. “We had a plan, and we needed to see it through.”

“You are more important than any fucking plan, Maris…” Valda said, pulling away and grabbing the ends of Maris’s tunic. “You are the only thing on my mind when I am doing this. If the Vulcanians or any Skylian were to take you away from—”

“You will continue the mission to get my people to safety… because that’s what I want,” Maris said, hands clutching Valda’s wrist.

Frowning, Valda pulled Maris’s tunic over her head. The anger Valda radiated dissolved as she explored Maris’s skin, her hands trialing over the spots on her arm and stomach.

“She hurt you…”

“I drank Sealian water. I am sure these marks will be gone in another day or so—”

“Maris, when I met you, the only scar you had was the one under your chin, now…” Valda sighed, got on her knees, and pressed her lips to a dark spot over her stomach .

She touched Valda’s cheek and tried to push her away, only to have Valda clamp her thick arm behind her thighs. “Valda—”

“I don’t want you covered in scars like me. Your skin doesn’t deserve it.”

“Oh, please.” Maris chuckled, hoping it would lighten the mood. “Am I less attract—”

“Don’t you dare ask me that. You know damn well I am controlling myself right now. You feel what I feel,“ Valda hissed.

Maris’s breath hitched before she peered down at Valda.

“You know I want to kiss every mark on your body until you are writhing underneath me…”

Inhaling deeply, Maris’s hands came to smooth Valda’s unruly hair away from her face. Although completely dirty and covered in sand, Valda was still beautiful. It was hard for her to deny herself to Valda.

“Maybe we should clean you up.”

A spark of want ignited in Valda’s eyes as she slowly released her iron grip on Maris and allowed her to walk away. Maris went to gather water in a large bucket and some fragrant oils. Valda stood in the middle of the tent, not saying one word. She didn’t need to, Maris could perfectly feel that the one was on the verge of losing control. Maris could feel her gaze burning all over her backside as she prepared to wash Valda.

Turning enough to face her, Maris pointed at Valda’s blouse. “Off.”

Valda huffed in slight annoyance, but she unbuttoned her blouse.

“Am I that dirty?“ she asked, a soft curve forming at the corner of her lips.

“Filthy, if I am being honest.” Maris worked quickly, using her powers to gather a large amount of water to wash over Valda’s hair, careful not to make a mess. Once she collected the dirty water, she moved it to an empty bucket before doing the same with Valda’s face.

After listening to Valda sigh contentedly, Maris brushed her fingers over the wraps covering Valda’s chest.

Valda’s arousal called to her through the bond, and for a moment, she found the sensation becoming so familiar, that it didn’t really dawn on her that if something were to happen to Maris, Valda would feel the breaking of the bond. She had seen how her mother reacted when her father died, and she didn’t want Valda to experience something as horrible as that.

“Off?” Valda asks in a whisper, her voice drawing Maris out of her thoughts .

Maris blinked and raised her gaze to Valda’s. With half-lid eyes, Valda pulled Maris closer, her large hands rubbing against her lower back while pressing her wet forehead with Maris.

Maris combed some strands away from Valda’s face before answering her question with a quiet, “Yes.”

“I shouldn’t be asking your permission to undress.” Valda flashed a cocky smile before tugging on the wraps. “You love it when I am nude.”

“You are not wrong, but also you are grimy.” She brushed her fingertips over Valda’s back before wrinkling her nose. “You are sweaty, and the sand is sticking everywhere.”

“It’s good for exfoliation,” Valda muttered, before throwing the dirty chest wrap aside.

Once Valda was undressed from the waist up, Maris let her eyes wander over her lover’s body. She gathered water again and meticulously wiped away the sand and grime. She began at her shoulders and neck, then her broad back, stomach, and chest. Maris didn’t stop until she was completely clean.

“Pants off too?”

Maris chuckled, looking at the tent’s entry before returning to Valda’s mischievous smile. “Let me close the tent… Just in case.”

Valda raised an eyebrow. Her eyes followed Maris as she untucked a leather roll tied to the tent’s entrance, giving them more privacy. As Maris walked back, Valda stood and hooked her thumb to the edge of her pants.

As she turned to the bucket with clean water, Maris worked with the same efficiency, taking great care when using her powers to clean between her legs. She noticed the goosebumps covering Valda’s powerful thigh and the soft moans that emanated from her parted lips. Before she moved away, Valda grabbed her jaw and halted her movements altogether. Water splashed at their feet.

Maris could feel Valda’s want. She could feel the small turmoil of emotions coursing through her. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something was bothering her.

Before she could move her face away from Valda’s grasp and ask her what was wrong, Valda said, “I could’ve lost you.”

Maris’ stomach dropped. “Valda…”

“I could’ve felt the sudden cut of the bond and there was nothing I could’ve done to prevent it.”

“But it didn’t happen. I am here. You are here—”

“You fought Kenna.”

“You’ve fought more than I’ve ever done in the last eight months,” Maris rejoined, her eyes locking with Valda’s. “We were both in danger. We’ve both done reckless things,” she whispered, smoothing her voice.

Valda let out a soft huff, leaned closer, and pressed her forehead with Maris’s. “Promise me our bond will never be severed.”

Maris sighed, closed her eyes tightly, and gripped Valda’s forearm. “Darling, you know I cannot promise that. We are at war. Anything can ha—”

“Promise me…” Valda lowered her voice, not wanting anyone else to hear her beg. This side of her was for Maris and Maris alone.

Maris swallowed hard and nodded against her. “I promise.”

She knew Valda wasn’t happy with her hesitation. Yet that didn’t stop the other woman from tightening her grip and mashing their lips together. At first, the kiss was soft, but it turned desperate and eager. Liquid heat sluiced from her chest, down to her lower stomach, and finally between her thighs. She clutched Valda’s taut shoulders as she pried her mouth open and slipped her tongue inside.

Groaning with need, Valda released Maris and wrapped an arm around her waist before sitting down and settling Maris over one of her thighs. Maris clung to her shoulders, her eyes flickering at the tent entrance before looking down at Valda’s darkened and hooded eyes.

“What is it?”

“Someone might walk in—”

“Let them,” Valda grunted, “I don’t mind an audience.”

“Valda!” Maris playfully slapped her shoulder, but the other woman didn’t even flinch.

“Understand; we could’ve lost each other. I could’ve lost you.” Valda’s voice quivered. “I was never afraid to lose anything in my life until I met you. You are everything to me. The most important person in my existence, and if I lose you, Maris, I will burn this planet whole, and tear open the ground itself to look for you in the Underworld.”

“But Valda. You will not find me there. I will already be reborn.”

Before Maris could finish her sentence, Valda was already shaking her head.

“Before we are reborn, our souls are floating in the Underworld. You, Maris Era, your very soul is etched into mine. I will not allow you to leave. I will go to the Underworld to claim you back if I have to and if I lose my life there, then I will make it my next life’s mission to find you.”

Maris cupped her lover’s face. Valda’s stern features sent a chill down her spine. “If I didn’t know you like I do, I wouldn’t have believed you. But I know you would tear open the ground itself to look for me.”

“I will swim through the River Styx to get you, I will push Charon off his fucking boat to have a taste of you,” Valda said, her eyes hazy with uncontrollable lust and love. “For you, Maris, I will do anything. and everything to be by your side.”

Maris stared at Valda, her hand going over the slight scar on her cheek, brushing over her eyebrows and then her plump lips. This woman… this woman had been chosen centuries ago to be her mate, even so, Maris couldn’t believe she was hers. Her eyes wondered over her parted lips, then her eyes before she leaned closer and planted a chaste kiss on her mouth.

Valda’s grips tightened, her need growing with the slight touch.

Maris made a surprised noise when Valda pulled off her remaining clothing, throwing it on the ground.

“I want to feel your cunt on me,” Valda said, grabbing hold of Maris’s waist and gyrating against Valda’s thick, muscular thigh.

Maris clutched the back of Valda’s head. Her fingers gripped her wet hair tightly as the sudden skin-to-skin contact left her breathless. She could feel Valda’s strength radiating from her body. Valda’s hand moved to the center of her back, pushing her closer while grabbing her hip forcefully with the other.

“Valda, wait! There are still people outside—”

Valda pressed their chests together, shuddering a breath at contact. “That never stopped us before.” She captured Maris’s lips, her tongue sliding inside and roughly stroking hers.

Maris’s skin came alive with goosebumps. She panted and pulled back, her hands steading Valda’s face before the other woman could devour her again. She didn’t notice that she was already grinding her pussy against Valda’s thigh.

Valda’s gaze moved from Maris’s features to the junction of her thighs. A mischievous smile stretched over her lips as she gripped Maris’s hips tighter. “That’s right. Use my thigh for whatever you wish.”

After licking her lips, Maris swallowed hard and steadied herself. Her eyes returned to the tent’s entrance for just a second before a burning strike branded her ass cheek.

“Look at me when I am talking to you, Seashell. ”

Maris gasped, her eyes wide as she looked down at Valda, who smiled wickedly. “You are getting handsy.”

“Does it bother you?”

Maris arched her brow and acted as if she was deciding, yet Valda swatted her again. “Valda, I swear…”

“Just tell me if it does,” Valda said, her hand firmly gripping Maris’s ass, egging her to answer.

“No, but we have to be quick, darling.”

Valda’s upper lip twitched, her grip on Maris’s hip almost painful. It would probably leave a mark, and the idea of being branded by Valda made a fresh wave of wetness seep through her folds. “Fine.”

Maris frowned at the sudden change in Valda. The fire was still in Valda’s eyes, but her features were serene as she released her hip and leaned back on her elbows. Maris’s hands moved from Valda’s shoulder to her hard stomach, steadying herself.

“You want this to be quick? Go ahead, Seashell.” Valda’s voice deepened. “Use me and take what you need.”

Maris’s gaze flashed up to Valda’s, and she drew in a breath when that peculiar dark grin stretched across Valda’s face.

Use her.

Use Valda for her needs? Saying it out loud made the idea sound lewd, forbidden. Maris turned to the entrance of the tent one last time before she decided. If Valda was relinquishing her power to her, who was Maris to say no?

Maris straightened her back. Her legs squeezed Valda’s thigh before she rolled her hips. The silky wetness of her folds spread over Valda’s skin. Valda swallowed hard, clearly having trouble keeping her hands by her sides as they curled into fists. Maris bit her lower lip and reminded herself that this was supposed to be quick. She couldn’t stop to kiss her lover’s neck. Not now. Maybe later.

“You are drenched,” Valda muttered, her voice broken and needy.

“Your fault,” Maris answered, and Valda’s face lit up.

Valda was always beautiful, handsome, and breathtaking, but when she smiled and was happy, she was goddess-like. Maris drew in a breath, her chest expanding as she rolled her hips repeatedly, finding that delicious friction sure to push her over the edge. But it was Valda’s voice that fueled her desire .

“When we get back to the castle, I want to see you just like this,” Valda whispered, her hands finding the smooth skin of Maris’s thighs. “But I want to see you riding my cock.”

Maris shuddered. Her eyes fluttered shut as the mental image invaded her senses.

“You are imagining it, aren’t you?” Valda’s laugh shifted into a ragged groan as she pulled Maris roughly against her. “Yes…” Valda crooned. “I am sure Kayden will gift us a bigger one.” Her hand gripped Maris’s legs. “I want to see you struggling with it. I want to see you stretch over it…”

“Valda…” Maris’s voice broke. Her moan escaped her while she used her hands to gain some leverage. She pressed her palms to Valda’s stomach and watched how it contracted as the woman drew another breath.

“That’s it, Seashell. Imagine how good it will feel once this is over, when we are back in my bed…”

Maris threw her head back, her hips rolling over Valda’s muscular thigh. Rippling strength surged from her lover, and she soaked it all in. Maris couldn’t get enough. She could never get enough. Small sighs and moans filled the large tent, and Maris had to remind herself to stay quiet. There were people outside. Anyone could hear her and walk in.

Yet the fear of getting caught added to the excitement. Her eyes flared at Valda’s intense gaze. She knew Valda was burning her body into her memory, worshiping her silently as she allowed her to take the pleasure Valda knew she deserved. And then Valda rose higher, looking down at where their bodies met.

“Good girl,” Valda exhaled, her warm breath coming closer to Maris’s chest. “You look so pretty taking exactly what you want.”

Maris knew Valda was enjoying seeing her become undone, so who was enjoying who? Gasping, Maris clutched Valda’s nape as the other woman’s adoring gaze doused her skin. Valda captured her mouth in a heated kiss, gripping Maris’s ass cheek firmly and helping Maris rock back and forth.

Pulling away from the kiss, Valda whispered lewd things over Maris’s lips, peppering her skin with affectionate kisses, adding fuel to the fire. Valda shuddered against her body as if she too was close to the edge. Maris’s grip tightened on Valda’s shoulder as her hips rolled quicker, chasing that release. Looking down, Maris’s brows arched, her lips parted as she found Valda’s hand buried between her thighs.

“Let’s come together. ”

Valda’s low voice pierced through Maris, as she doubled her efforts to do as Valda wanted. Within seconds, Valda’s jaw slacked as she released a silent cry. Maris felt the fluttering, the clenching, and finally, she saw the stars behind her eyelids as she came. Valda held onto her firmly, their chests mashed together as her ragged breath washed over Maris own. After a while, her hold on Valda’s shoulders relaxed until her touch was a tender caress.

It wasn’t until Valda pulled slightly away that Maris opened her eyes. The other woman slipped her hand away from between her thighs while her other hand rested perfectly on Maris’s waist.

“I should clean up, right?” Valda asked, her eyes darting to Maris’s. She nodded at Valda’s words, then shuddered when Valda’s lips curled into a wicked grin. “Open your mouth…”

Maris released a shaky breath as her eyes traveled to her hand. Valda clutched the middle of her back and Maris’s lips parted as Valda slipped her index and middle finger inside her mouth. Eyes fluttering shut as Valda’s taste touched her tongue, she let out a soft moan as she licked and sucked Valda’s fingers clean. Pulling her hand away, Valda replaced her fingers with her mouth and kissed Maris ravenously, tasting herself on her lips.

Maris held her face steady, the warmth in her stomach spread out again, and slowly, she rocked her hips again.

Valda chuckled. “I thought you wanted to be quick.”

Maris whined, missing Valda’s touch on her lips. “You are insufferable…”

Valda let out a breathy laugh, leaning in to kiss her again until a soft, shrill sound drew them apart. Valda’s eyes flew wide open as she concentrated on the sound. “Is that a baby?”

Maris pulled herself away from Valda’s embrace, listening to the nearby keening. “Probably Struan or Ciel.”

“Melvian’s babies?” Valda asked. Maris nodded and yelped when Valda stood up. After Valda settled Maris on the ground, she gathered their clothing at an impressive speed.

“You seem excited.”

Valda shrugged as she buttoned her blouse. “I love children…”

Her confession came in the low voice, but Maris had picked up on it back in New Agenor. A smile warmed her face when she remembered her interaction with Coljar, Lia, and Kimmi.

“Then we must hurry,” Maris replied as she moved to the entrance. Pulling the leather strap from the tent, she walked outside and was welcomed by the busy buzzing of Sealians.

Valda tried to hide her enthusiasm. She was eager to see what Melvian and Isen’s babies looked like. As they walked through the broken-down cabins and tents, a smile spread across her face. Maris didn’t notice as she walked in front of her, greeting the newcomers as they settled down. Maris stopped in front of a cabin and called out Isen and Melvian’s names before walking in. From outside, Valda could hear a baby wailing. Her stomach turned with both nervousness and excitement.

Valda held her breath, her gaze falling on Isen, who carried a black-haired baby while Melvian fed a blue-haired one on the makeshift bed. Maris headed straight to her best friend, her hand coming to touch the baby’s blue curls before smiling brightly at Melvian. Their conversation was muffled by the crying child in Isen’s arms and the warm notion that these two infants were the future of both kingdoms. Isen moved to stand before her, blocking her sight of Maris as he presented his son, Struan.

Struan. The name made her grin almost teasingly and without thinking, Valda offered her arms to Isen. Praising Poseidon, Isen carefully placed the newborn in her arms. The baby’s cries ceased, followed by a soft coo as he opened his eyes. They were a deep shade of honey, just like Melvian’s.

“He likes you!” Isen said, slapping his hand on her shoulder again.

Valda liked him too.

She loved children, always wished she had of her own someday, even if they weren’t from her own flesh and blood. She would never admit to such a thing, only Maris knew that side of her and she wished to keep it that way. But as she stared more at Struan, the more her maternal instincts stirred alive. Valda didn’t notice when Isen walked back to her, holding the other baby. Her eyes were wide open, the same shade as her brother’s.

“And this, Your Highness…” Isen began, his chest expanding with pride. “This is my princess, Ciel.”

They were beautiful, healthy babies. Valda congratulated both Isen and Melvian wholeheartedly. Shifting to her side, Isen tried his hardest to get her to hold Ciel as well. Knowing him, he probably saw her holding his children as a blessing from the gods. But Valda wasn’t so sure she could carry both of them at the same time.

Throwing a glance at Maris, she pointed at her mate with a jerk of her chin.

“I think her arms look rather empty; don’t you?” Valda said, throwing her mate a playful grin while she waved her hands dismissively. Maris’s eyes widened just as Isen walked towards her.

Maris seemed like she was about to say no, but Melvian slapped Maris’s waist and pushed her towards Isen. “You helped me give birth to her. You can hold her for a couple of minutes.”

As Maris struggled with baby Ciel, moving the baby ever so slightly to get her in the perfect position in her arms, Valda thought she looked even more beautiful holding a child. As much as she wanted to look at Ciel, her eyes were now glued to her mate. She studied Maris’s intense gaze on the child and Maris’s smile as the baby yawned. Unable to contain her excitement, Maris shot her eyes to Valda, who looked at her with pure, adoring awe. Valda knew she could feel the love flowing through their bond.

“This look suits you,” Valda mumbled, yet she couldn’t stop the hint of regret in her voice. She couldn’t give this to Maris. She couldn’t give her the gift of being a mother, not even with all the gifts the gods had given them. Valda couldn’t give Maris the family she deserved.

“You look like a nice mommy yourself,” Maris said, her tone soft and playful.

“Oh, I am sure I do,” Valda said sarcastically. “Very motherly.”

“No, but to be honest, you both look good holding our kids,” Isen commented, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Maybe you can babysit after the war is over.”

“I would love to,” Valda quickly said, kissing Struan’s small forehead, his dark curls tickling her nose.

“You two could be their guardians,” Melvian said, earning a soft huff from Isen. “What? I am just saying. None of our parents are in the picture. Your sister has disappeared… If something were to happen to us, who would take care of them?”

“I would love to be their guardian,” Maris didn’t hesitate to comply.

Both women smiled tenderly at each other, their hearts filled with love. As much as Valda wanted to stay like that, holding the infant with her mate, the tension rose in the small cabin. There were things that needed to be done if they wanted to have more moments like this one.

“When do we leave for Prospero?” Isen asked, his hands falling on his hips, his charming smile replaced with a stern look .

Valda took a deep breath, one of her hands casually landing on the handle of her sword while she held the baby with the other. “We leave today.”