I pulled her into my arms again.

“How did I know you would not stay away?”

My mother’s voice made me turn.

And when I did, I saw Serena standing at the foot of the bed, her arms crossed on her chest, her eyes locked to our mother.

But the Go’Doan priest was at Mum’s bedside, he had her wrist in his hand, and it was he to whom she was speaking.

He then placed her hand on her stomach and moved his to her forehead.

I opened my mouth to ask who the bloody hell he thought he was when he asked his own question to my mum, though it came out more as an accusation.

“You’re in pain?”

“A little.”

“I gave you draughts for this,” he stated.

He did?

“I thought I would wait—” Mother began.

“The time is now,” he stated smartly and then turned to the door and called, “Saira?”

A woman in a Dellish gown and cloak, ones of fine quality that were rather charming, bustled in carrying a leather satchel.

“Allo, Saira,” Mother greeted her warmly.

“You did not send a raven for Liam when the time came, Ophelia,” she replied. “He’s most cross with you.”

“He will survive this,” Mum sighed.

I felt something, looked in the direction from whence it was coming, and saw my sister’s eyes on me.

I also heard my mother’s earlier words in my head.

“I will give you time with her,” I said.

She jerked up her chin.

I gave Liam and Saira a glance, a smile to Melisse, a frown to Cassius, and I walked out.

The sky was night. The air smelled of dirt and pine and chill. The pointed tops of the trees seemed an imperative to tip your head back and study the stars.

I did not do this.

I stomped several feet away and whirled on the man I knew followed me.

“So, I have news,” I shared. “Apparently, I will be queen to the Sisterhood and my man knew this well before me.”

“Ellie,” he murmured.

“She said it was hers to give at the time she wished to give it,” I went on.

“It was, and you cannot argue that.”

I drattedly could not.

I looked away.

And because I loved him so, not to mention felt the odd sensation that my body might fly apart at any moment, when he took me in his arms, I did not pull away.

“Melisse is here, as is Serena,” he murmured. “This is good.”

He was very right.

I relaxed into his tall frame and laid my cheek to his chest.

We spoke no words for some time, but Cassius did not move or give the slightest inclination he would wish to do this as we stood on a mountain in his realm, surrounded by soldiers who were keeping us safe from possible attack.

And because he gave me this, I loved him all the more.

Mother was right, as ever.