“Yes,” he finally chimed in, addressing the visibly disappointed clerk. “I’m afraid I’m useless when it comes to fashion or jewelry, so I thought I’d enlist the help of His Highness and his… remarkable intuition.”He… could have been more convincing, but his performance would have to suffice for now
MAEVE POVI awoke in my bed to the sensation of something brushing against my cheek.Warm. Solid. Gentle. Ticklish, making my nose crinkle.I was still half asleep, curled up in a comfortable pair of cotton pajamas, when I raised my hand to swat at whatever was touching me. Imagine my surprise, then
Oh.I hadn’t realized just how much this might have meant to him.Xaden’s admission, along with the way his face twisted into the most adorable, begrudging little pout, made me feel all sorts of things. Above all, I couldn’t help but sink with guilt.Because of how important and busy he was, I had w
MAEVE POVIt’s a ring. Xaden got me a ring.“Wow—” I gasped, awestruck by the beautiful gem in front of me. “Wow.”The warm glow of the setting sun began to seep through the curtains of our bedroom, casting its brilliant, vibrant light upon the ring in his hand, and the resulting sight quite litera
“Maeve?” he prodded, moving ever so closer, so he could look at me properly. He scanned my face, seemingly looking for something there before they suddenly lit up.Xaden’s whole demeanor changed. Serenity was replaced by something… desperate.No. Was it… hopeful?He let out a heavy, shaky breath. “Y
MAEVE POVI felt warm.Uncharacteristically warm. It was nothing like the boiling heat of a fever, but rather the warmth of a new day, shining down on me.My body creaked and groaned like worn wood as I rolled flat onto my back. I didn’t recall going to sleep with such discomfort…I must’ve slept in
But… I saw nothing. Just blurred outlines of his features. I didn’t know if he had Xaden’s eyes or mine, if he had a button nose, or if he had his father’s charming smile.Still, in the end, none of that mattered right now.This was my little boy. I could feel it deep in my soul, even without seeing
“But… that can’t be right…” I said. “You gave me this ring last—I mean, when I was only a month pregnant.”Xaden was quiet for a long, drawn-out moment, apparently lost in thought. His gaze swept over me, taking in every detail he could amid the glowing gardens around us, before flickering over to t