His baby fat is melting away and I can tell he’ll have high cheekbones and a jaw like Keryth’s.

“Your birthday is next week,” I say, fighting off sudden nostalgia. “Where will you go this year?”

He taps his chin. “Dawn and Dusk?”

“No.” I boop his nose. “Too dangerous.”

“Aw, come on. It was fine last year.”

I purse my lips at the reminder. “It wasn’t fine when you got back and you were grounded for a month, was it?”

Frowning, he grumbles, “I guess not.” Then his lips tilt up. “But it was worth it, though.”

Oh, this child. Always keeping me on my toes.

The wizard came back on Kirian’s tenth birthday, just like he said he would. He came bearing a gift—a treasure trunk full of portals. They could only be used once a year on Kirian’s birthday, and he could go anywhere he wanted, within reason.

Like the rebel he is, he promptly used his first to visit Dawn and Dusk, which was strictly forbidden. This year, I’m hoping he’ll go somewhere safer.

“What about the Dream Realm?” I suggest. “Uncle Silas and Queen Tehya wrote to us recently. They’d like to meet you.”

“Eh.” Kirian gives a noncommittal shrug.

Okay, so maybe that wasn’t the most interesting idea. Kirian probably doesn’t want to waste a portal on strangers.

Although Silas and Tehya have kept in touch over the years, we haven’t stayed close. After the almost-deadly challenge, several council members and palace staff followed Silas, so he had a built-in team when he left. While he was busy building a castle and forming his military, his head Councilman worked out the details of where the territory would start and end, and what resources we would trade.

The outcome was successful, but I know Keryth misses his brother sometimes.

I understand how he feels. I’d give anything to see Zephina. We contact each other a couple times a year, either through letters or a messenger sprite. But under my brother’s orders, she’s not allowed to leave Hailene.

“Well, you have time to decide,” I tell Kirian, placing a kiss on his head. “Lots of places you can go.”

His face brightens. “I could visit the gnomes in Ailee. Maybe they’d give me some honeysuckle for your wine.”

My heart melts. “You’d use your portal for me?”

“I’d do anything for you.”

Mist fills my eyes, and I blink rapidly to clear the wetness. Averting my gaze, I smooth the yellow baby blanket I finished knitting during my pregnancy. Kirian never cuddles with it anymore, but it’s always slung over the end of his bed.

“My sweet boy.” I affectionately ruffle his hair. “Get a goodnight’s sleep, okay?”

“Okay.” He yawns, and I leave his room with a smile on my face.