Laughing, Zarya tried it while Desideria put a bit under her own tongue, too.

She arched a curious brow that caused Desideria to blush.

“Yes, there’s a reason I just happen to have some on me.”

Zarya beamed for her and Caillen. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you, and I pray this one is a boy. I’m not sure poor Caillen could handle being surrounded by any more women during holiday meals.”

Zarya placed her hand over her stomach as she realized that her symptoms had all but vanished. Stunned, she widened her eyes. “It really does work. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll make sure and have Chayden bring you more. I’m one of those women who has morning sickness from the moment of conception until birth. I hope you don’t.”

Her, too. She’d actually been lucky. This was her first bout of it.

But what timing…

Sorche returned her small bouquet to her. “You sure you feel up to this?”

Zarya glanced at Darling and smiled. “Absolutely.”

Maris kicked off his shoes, then scooted them toward Darling with his foot. “Change with me, hon. I’m not the one being broadcast all over the universe.”

Darling stepped away from her to exchange his shoes with Maris. “Thanks.”

“I would say anytime, but I hope we never have to do this again.” Maris smiled at her. “I love you, dearest, but I don’t want to wear your DNA.”

“I’m so sorry.”

Maris wrinkled his nose at her. “Don’t be. We’re all waiting for that little one to come out so we can spoil it unmercifully. I’ve always wanted to be an overindulgent aunt.”

“Don’t feel bad,” Jayne said graciously. “I promise you, this isn’t nearly as bad as my last pregnancy. I tossed all over my mother-in-law’s prized sofa that’s been in her family for three generations. I’m still banned from her house, and my baby’s about to start school.”

Zarya laughed.

While she and Jayne had gotten off to a bad start, she now counted the female assassin as one of her dearest friends.

Clapping her hands to get their attention, Gera took charge. “Emperor, we need you to leave now, and I’ll have the ladies and gentlemen resume their places.”

Zarya saw the hesitation in Darling’s expression. She placed her hand on his cheek again. Goodness, he was so breathtaking in his royal uniform with those blue eyes gleaming at her. She hoped their baby had the same coloring as its father. “I’m fine, really. Desideria’s root is working miracles.”

“You know we won’t let anything happen to her,” Maris assured him.

Nodding, Darling took her hand and kissed it. “I’ll be waiting.” He made a formal bow, then reluctantly released her hand and left them.

Maris held his arm out to her. Since she had no male relatives left, he was doing her the honor of presenting her to Darling for the wedding.

Ture, Shahara, Lise, Desideria, and Sorche made up her wedding party. Kiara would have been here as well had she not gone into labor a few days ago. So both she and Nykyrian, and their entire brood, were attending via video uplinks.