Sera squeezed Amelia’s hand. “It’s not bad in that way. I love my family and love my new sister-in-law, as you well know.”

“Well, yes, I’m pretty loveable,” Amelia said with a wink.

Sera laughed. “Yes, so true, but I’m a people person, a party girl. I love to meet new people, see new things, hear new music, and learn new things. I was having a great time staying with Angelo in New York, before Byron told me I had to come home.”

“I suppose the city that never sleeps is perfect for a vampire that likes to party?” Amelia said.

“You are not wrong. Although my cousin was pretty annoying, having guards follow me all the time. I’d spend the day going to museums and art galleries and nights going from bar to bar, club to club, and the women—”

Bhal interrupted them by clearing her throat. “Excuse me, Principessa, I’m going back to my room now. If you need anything, just send an attendant for me.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Amelia saw tension etched on Bhal’s face.

“Goodnight, grumpy,” Sera said.

Bhal’s jaw tightened, but she simply turned and walked away.

“Poor Bhal, you always give her a hard time.”

“Poor Bhal nothing.” Sera snorted. “She thinks she’s the boss of me. Anyway, less about Bhal. I was having a great time in New York. Angelo is a lot more chilled than my stuffy big sister.”

Amelia giggled. “She is not stuffy—she is lovely.”

“Maybe to you, but to her I’m still seventeen and not been through my ascension ceremony yet.”

“She’s on edge. We found out about the baby, my role as this descendent thing, the upcoming darkness that Anka is supposed to bring. Byron loves you and just wants to keep you safe. If the darkness is on its way, she wanted you with us, and I agree.”

“You are no help,” Sera joked. “So, how’s my little niece or nephew?”

“Doing well. Making me hungry all the time.” Amelia rubbed her stomach.

“For food or for sex?” Sera winked at Amelia.

“Sera!” Amelia felt her cheeks burn.

“Oh, you’re so human about these things. Sex is a celebration, and I know you two can’t keep your hands off each other. Just like Alexis and Katie. Of course I’m not allowed to go out, so I’m stuck with Scrabble and grumpy Bhal.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes and watched the flames dance in the fireplace.

“You know, you really make my sister happy, Amelia. I’ve never seen her so content and fulfilled in life,” Sera said.

Just as Amelia was about to reply, the drawing room doors opened, and Byron strode in. Amelia got that surge of excitement and love she always got when she saw her partner.

“Sera, my darling wife, what have I missed?” Byron rubbed her palms together.