Almost six months after The Nightmara Affair

On her first natalday as queen, Kiera awoke to the fragrant scent of tea, eggs, toast, and beefsteak when Devon murmured in her ear, “Happy natalday, my dearest love.”

Although her stomach was hollow and rumbling—typical since she’d conceived seven weeks ago, something she’d not even told Wren or Annalise yet—she drew Devon closer for a deep kiss. Demonstrating her love for her wonderful husband, who was also celebrating his natalday, was more important than eating. At least for a bit.

After several passionate kisses, Devon sighed and separated their mouths. “You should eat while our breakfast is still hot.”

She leaned forward and murmured against Devon’s lips, “Only if you promise to make love with me afterward at least twice. ‘Tis our natalday after all, and making love shall be the perfect gift for us both.”

Devon chuckled while he pulled her upright. “That does sound perfect. And we needn’t fret about the late hour either. I’ve cleared our schedules for the day. No royal duties. No court events. Just us. Even a king and queen can take a respite to celebrate their nataldays.”

Kiera grinned at Devon as he set their heaped breakfast tray, decorated with one perfect peach rose, between them. “Calatini is fortunate that their king and queen somehow possess the same natalday. Just imagine if we took two separate days away from our duties.”

While she began devouring her breakfast, Devon hummed and sipped his kahve then said, “I’ve been thinking that we should make our days away from our duties at least a monthly occurrence—barring unexpected crises, of course.” He pressed a gentle hand against her stomach. “Taking time for ourselves and our family shall teach our child that they should do the same, which shall give them a more fulfilled life.”

She beamed and laid her hand over Devon’s, tingling warmth suffusing her. “I agree.” She squeezed his hand. “So what shall we do for our first day of respite?”

Devon grinned at her. “I thought we could spend the morning in bed—making love as you demanded. After luncheon, we could ride to the royal bay and stay there until we must return for dinner. Then remain sequestered in our wing for the evening.”

Kiera stilled. Devon had always preferred riding to the royal forest, but since the melissae at its heart had stung and nearly killed her, he’d avoided riding there with her. She smiled at him. “An excellent plan, although I think we should ride to the royal forest instead.”

Devon began to frown. “I don’t want to risk you or our unborn child.”

She tsked and smiled brighter. “You shan’t be. Annalise assures me the melissae shan’t attack me again now that she’s explained. And they recognize you and shan’t attack you either. I’ve more to worry about being burned by the sun at the royal bay.”

Devon sighed then kissed her palm. “As you wish.”

Kiera grinned then set their empty breakfast tray on the bedside table. “Good. Now, how about fulfilling some of my other wishes?”

Devon rumbled a laugh and wrapped his arms about her. “Very well, but only because they’re my wishes too.”