So, it was like that from the start. Asteria was planning to use my brother’s life to keep me in check. And to force me to collaborate if I didn’t want to.

Finding out things like these, after more than ten years, is still a shock. I knew it, for goodness. But now I also understand why they didn’t do anything.

​​

«Nicholas Zolokis didn’t make it far enough to threaten me with my brother,» I point out. «Yet, according to your story… You must have already fled by the time I got rid of him.»

«Even if his highness showed us mercy while we flew from Polis, I couldn’t trust him enough to keep in contact. We’ve avoided leaving any trace for years until he found us yesterday. If I didn’t know better how his spies and tactics are excellent, I would think he used some magic.»

So, this is what Alexander has done during his mysterious outings. He wasn’t fooling around with ladies or drinking with other men. He was looking for my brother.

And, somehow, he knew where to look since he found him so fast.

«Magic doesn’t exist,» I point out. That’s the same my husband told me when I accused him. In the end, I can’t be sure who of us two was wrong, back then.

His second life is a miracle, right? And miracles are types of divine magic.

«I doubt it, my… Madam Governor. You got to know Archduke Kyre for years, so you can judge better than me if his intellect is a form of magic itself.»

Rather than magical, it’s all messed up. And his priorities, for goodness, they’re all in a weird order.

«Now that we met, I’d like you to visit more often,» I say.

Alexander just nods, confirming my invitation.

«You can have lunch with us today.»

«Isn’t it a bit late for lunch?» the General murmurs, wondering if I overworked myself and forgot to eat.

«Then, come tomorrow for lunch! Or stay till dinner. I want to talk with my brother more.»

«That will happen more often, my dear,» Alexander comments. «I talked with Diogenes, and he had a few ideas about how to make him pass as a merchant.»

«My brother isn’t going to play the role of a pirate!» I exclaim. It’s too dangerous!

«I said: merchant. Also, it wouldn’t be weird if he visited Stoneyard every time he travels nearby. You don’t have to say goodbye to everyone, Thea. Let me handle the documentation, and he’ll have a new, genuine identity.»

«You always think of everything,» I realise.

«Only when it regards my wife.»

Our enamoured glances are a bit awkward for the two men, so I swiftly recompose my working expression.

«Good,» I say after clearing my throat.

Our guests leave with the promise to come back tomorrow, and we finally reach the dining hall. We could eat in the room, though.

I’ve just sat at my place when the aroma of the soup reaches me. Instead of making my stomach rejoice for the promised meal, it clenches. Nausea hits my head, and I press a hand on my mouth.

Alexander gets up, pushing his chair with so much haste that it falls back.

«Take it away, now!» he orders, and he’s soon at my feet, kneeling in front of me. «Thea,» he murmurs. «Are you all right?»

Nausea disappears together with the soup, and a single tear greets one of my favourite plates made in my favourite place.

«I’m all right, now,» I sigh. More than all right.

I haven’t bled in more than a month, but I assumed it was because of the journey. Yet, it seems there’s a reason for that.

However, there’s just a problem: I’m old.

«Alexander, I’m almost thirty. Isn’t it late for a child?»

After having none for four years!

I hoped another little ball would join our family; I hoped for two whole years. Then, in the third year, I understood it was not going to happen.

I’ve lost all hope until, unexpectedly, it happened.

«If this is the effect of letting my wife take advantage of me, I’ll let you do it more often,» he says. His eyes start shining while we hold hands and look at each other. «This time, it will definitely be a girl!»

«You’re not good at predicting that,» I point out. He said the same for Rowan.

Then, before realising what we’re doing, Alexander hugs me tightly.

He surrounds my waist with his strong arms and swings me around.

I burst out laughing, finally believing in this new miracle.

«You’re not old, Thea. You’re just the right age,» he adds when we stop swirling like idiots.

He pecks my forehead and then lands a light kiss on my lips.

«Are you sure?» I murmur.

«Yes, I am. Also, I’ll show you how young you are when we have other children as well. Don’t think you’re done with just one more.»

I snort, a bit annoyed. He’s already thinking so far in the future. Yet, I agree with him. It would be wonderful if we could have a couple of little balls more. Stoneyard has been so lively from when Lavinia started walking. Not to mention the turmoil Elias brought.

But none of it annoyed anyone. Not even the servants cleaning after them.

«I’m so happy, Thea.»

The servants observe us dumbfounded. They’re not like the maids in Stoneyard, so used to similar scenes. A couple of them can’t hide a smirk.

«I am happy too, Xander,» I sigh.

Even if we’re surrounded by people, I stand on tiptoe and land another peck on his lips. A short, chaste kiss.

I’m so happy that I’d tell anyone. Starting from my brother when he comes back. Then, I’ll write to my children to inform them they’ll soon have another sibling.

«Nine months,» Alexander murmurs, next to me. He wasn’t talking with me, but the hidden meaning of his words suddenly hit my brain.

Nine months without bed duties. Oh, I’ll have to find plenty of other ways to convey my love!