Zane
The bond between us was functional and necessary for my heir. But it would never be what Leila described. It won’t ever be soft or easy or full of the kind of comfortable affection that came from decades of partnership.
Tiana would give me an heir, fulfilling her contract. And then she’d leave.
That was the arrangement and we both agreed to it.
So why did watching her expression shudder as Leila talked about her husband make my chest twist uncomfortably?
“Well,” Leila said, standing and stretching. “I should probably sleep now so I can start preparing for my journey home early. The northern territories are beautiful this time of the year, and I’m eager to see them again.” She smiled at Tiana. “You’ll write to me, won’t you? Let me know how the ball goes?”
“Of course,” Tiana said
