Phoebe’s POV
"What is that?" Perry’s brow creased as his gaze landed on the small child nestled in my arms, her tiny form curled peacefully against my chest while she slept.
"She’s not a thing, Perry. Her na is Harlow," I scolded him softly for his blunt question. "Keep your voice down—you’ll disturb her sleep," I whispered in warning.
Harlow had drifted off peacefully after I’d shared a few bedti stories with her. Earlier, Timothy had rushed to in obvious haste, asking to watch Harlow for a short while.
I hadn’t questioned why Timothy seed so urgent, but judging by his expression, it had to be sothing significant. So I’d simply agreed without prying.
Yet many hours had passed without the gamma’s return, and midnight was fast approaching. A nagging worry crept into my thoughts—had sothing gone wrong between Timothy and Jude? Had their conversation turned sour? I silently hoped Timothy could persuade Jude to join us.
As for myself, disappointnt weighed on my heart knowing I wouldn’t be able to visit the place I’d been longing to see.
Tomorrow we’d have to depart, and this ti Perry wouldn’t entertain any delays—especially with nurous envoys from other kingdoms already arriving. This morning brought news that Princess Justina from the Davoria kingdom had arrived with her brothers, while their father would follow shortly.
"Move her sowhere else," Perry commanded, casting a sideways glare at the baby in my arms. His displeasure was obvious—this tiny intruder had claid his mate’s attention.
He’d spent the entire day away from , and upon his eager return, he discovered this little creature had monopolized my ti. Clearly, this wasn’t the hocoming he’d envisioned after rushing back.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the stormy expression darkening Perry’s features. His brows furrowed so deeply, he looked ready to pluck Harlow right out of my embrace.
"Really, Perry? She’s just a baby," I said, patting the empty space beside invitingly.
"A baby who doesn’t realize she’s overstaying her welco," he grumbled.
"Perry," I chided, giving his arm a playful swat before tugging him down to sit beside .
"Is this Timothy’s mate’s child?" Perry studied Harlow more closely. Her lips parted slightly as soft snores escaped her.
"Yes. Don’t you find her adorable?"
"No. Our child will be far more beautiful."
The words tumbled out before Perry could stop himself. I watched recognition flash across his face as he realized he’d touched on delicate ground—a topic that still caused pain.
His instinctive response had co without thought, and now concern shadowed his features as he searched my face.
"I’m sorry, that was thoughtless of ," Perry murmured, pressing his lips to my cheek.
"It’s alright," I assured him with a light laugh, as if his slip ant nothing to . "I’m not upset. Truly." I smiled at him warmly. "You’re absolutely right—our child will be the most beautiful of all."
Uncertainty flickered in Perry’s eyes, unsure how to respond. He kissed my forehead gently, his gaze drifting to the little girl in my arms. The way he looked at made feel he was thinking I would be a good mother.
Fortunately, Timothy appeared shortly after, tapping on the door with a grin splitting his face from ear to ear when he spotted Harlow sleeping peacefully in my embrace.
"Forgive , I completely lost track of ti," Timothy said sheepishly, running his hand through his hair. "Thank you for caring for her." He carefully lifted Harlow from my arms. "Judging by your expression, should I assu everything went smoothly?"
I couldn’t muster any irritation with him—his joy was absolutely infectious. The royal gamma practically glowed, his eyes sparkling like stars.
"Better than smooth," Timothy whispered, cradling Harlow against his chest. The little girl stirred briefly but didn’t wake, simply snuggling closer against him, looking impossibly tiny against the gamma’s broad fra. "It was perfect. Oh, Phoebe, I’m bursting to tell you everything!"
If Harlow hadn’t been sleeping in his arms, I was certain Timothy would have been bouncing on his toes from sheer happiness.
The sight made laugh softly. "I’m so happy for you," I said, squeezing Timothy’s shoulder. "Tell all about it later—get her to bed now. The night air has turned quite cold."
"Yes, absolutely!" Timothy leaned down to press a gentle kiss to the top of my head—a sweet, brotherly gesture.
"What the hell do you think you’re doing?!"
Perry’s roar thundered from behind , and before the king could lunge forward, Timothy had already made his escape.
"Thank you, Phoebe!" he called over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of restraining a furious Perry. Timothy showed no fear—he must have known my influence over the king was more than sufficient. While kissing my forehead might have been bold, he likely knew that once Perry cooled down, he’d recognize there had been nothing improper about it.
anwhile, the king’s mood had soured even further after his gamma’s display of affection. "I don’t like it. I’m going to—"
Before Perry could finish his threat, I rose on my toes and captured his lips with mine. "You know he sees as a sister, don’t you?" I grinned up at his ridiculous jealousy.
"I don’t care if you were actual siblings—I don’t want anyone’s lips on you," Perry growled, crossing his arms and I could tell from his expression he was already plotting Timothy’s punishnt for tomorrow.
But I knew exactly what he was thinking. "Don’t. Whatever sche you’re cooking up for him, forget it." I slipped my arms around his waist, pressing my face against the solid warmth of his chest.
"Are you seriously defending another man in front of right now?" Perry’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Not at all," I murmured, stretching up to brush my lips against his jaw. "Instead of brooding about it, why don’t you let help you... unwind?"
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