Henry let out a groan. “Not you too.”
Kaius laughed. “Come on, Henry, you know my mother. She lives for this kind of thing.”
Queen Kaia winked. “I do indeed.” Then she turned back to Livia, taking both of her hands in hers. “How are you feeling, dear?”
Livia hesitated for only a second before answering truthfully. “Happy. Nervous, but happy.”
The Queen squeezed her hands gently. “That’s how it should be, my dear. The mate bond is a powerful thing, and now that it’s complete, you two will only grow stronger together.”
Livia nodded, her heart swelling with warmth.
As they settled down at the dining table, the once-formal atmosphere melted away, replaced by easy conversation and laughter. For the first time in a long time, Livia felt like she truly belonged.
--
Dinner passed in a warm
