“Poppy looks faint.” Kieran smirked.

Casteel turned to look at me, his brows lowering as concern echoed through him. “Are you all right?”

I blinked, shoving the unnecessary image out of my head as I stepped forward. “Yes. I’m fine.” I plastered a big smile across my face before either of them could ferret out where my mind had gone. “We didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to stay here, and for the clothing.”

A ready smile appeared on Kirha’s face as she clasped my arms. “No need to thank me. Our home has always been open to Cas. Therefore, it will always be open to you,” she said, and the sincerity in her words was clear. “I’m glad you like the clothing. I must say, you look far too beautiful for this one over here.” She jerked her chin at Cas.

“Ouch,” Casteel murmured, placing a hand over his heart. “My feelings. They hurt.”

Kirha laughed as she pulled me into a close hug—well, as close as I could get with the belly between us, but the embrace was warm and unexpected and so…nice. It was the kind of hug I hadn’t felt in ages. One I secretly hoped I’d receive from Queen Eloana upon my arrival. This kind of embrace was the type a mother would give, and it brought forth a rush of bittersweet emotions. Nothing about my smile was forced when she pulled back, clasping my arms once more. “I am so happy to meet you.” Her gaze swept over my face, not lingering on the scars. “I hope you are feeling well?”

I nodded. “I am.”

“Good.” She squeezed my arms and then let go, placing a hand on her belly. “Kieran told me you met Vonetta?”

“I have,” I said as Casteel appeared at my side, resting his palm on the center of my back. “Vonetta was so kind to me. She let me borrow one of her gowns and helped me get ready for the marriage ceremony. I hope I get to see her again soon.”

“What about me?” Kieran asked, and his mother and I looked at him. “I’ve been kind to you.”

“Someone sounds like they’re already experiencing middle-child syndrome,” Casteel murmured under his breath.

“And I’m also, like, standing right here,” Kieran added. “In front of you.”

My lips twitched as I glanced at him. “You are…okay.”

“Okay?” he repeated with a huff of offense, crossing his arms.

“Don’t pay him any mind,” Kirha said. “He’s annoyed because the Healers believe he will soon have another younger sister.”

Casteel chuckled. “You and Jasper are about to be sorely outnumbered.”

“Tell me about it,” Kieran muttered.

“When are you due?” I asked.

“Within a month, if the gods are willing,” she answered, rubbing her stomach. “And not a day too soon. I swear this child is already as large as Kieran.”

“That sounds disturbing,” Kieran frowned, and I had to agree with him on that. “You said you were going to see your parents?”