Six months had passed since the revelation in the royal study, and the Winter Citadel had completely adapted to a new, entirely unprecedented state of normal.
That "normal" consisted primarily of the most terrifying warlord on the continent hovering over his mate like an incredibly lethal, heavily armored shadow.
Aaliyah sat at the head of the long obsidian table in the Unified Council chambers. She was heavily pregnant now, her stomach a beautiful, prominent curve perfectly accommodated by a flowing gown of rich, silver-threaded northern wool. She looked absolutely radiant, her skin glowing with a permanent, ethereal mixture of starlight and soft violet warmth.
"The eastern trade routes have reported a twenty percent increase in tax revenue, Your Majesty," Beta Thomas was saying, po
