A little twitch in his belly made Seidrik jump and Tyran giggled. “He kicked me!”
“He did. I think it means he likes you.” Seidrik sighed heavily as his belly tensed up, a practice quickening that it’d been doing on and off for the past few weeks.
“Alright, Tyran. Let’s let Papa get a nap. We’ve not got too long before the baby comes and we can all use our sleep.” Stamel laughed.
Seidrik settled back in his seat and sighed heavily, patting the side of his settling stomach. “I think you’ll get to meet them soon. I feel a little bit closer every day.”
Stamel stared at Seidrik like he was the most beautiful person in the world, his gaze heated. “Hopefully we have at least a few more days.”
Seidrik’s cheeks burned and he cleared his throat. “How about we order some tea from the kitchens! Virion should be by tomorrow, so make sure you rest up.”
Stamel did his best to round the kids up to go wash up and do their thing.
They had alongnight ahead of them.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Stamel
In the days leading up to the birth, Nilla had to stay at the Drashili castle, as all healers had been sent out into the kingdom to deal with a breakout of flox fever. Fortunately, it was enough in advance that Jori, his father’s omega healer, was able to come, and of course he came with Pallosar and Kershai.
Nemiah and Virion had come, but they had quarantined for a few days to make sure they didn’t bring the fever with them—though it was far more prevalent in night fae.
Askara and Stamel would be on the next train.
That morning, they met in the dining hall. Virion kept glancing around and smiling at all the changes, commenting that things had gotten so much better.
Saria, for her part, gushed and served herself communally, as had been the tradition among the private family gatherings in Croatens. Her mates chimed in, too. Sweet men with complementary personalities.
Seidrik nibbled on a slice of toasted bread and some fruit, complaining that he was so ravenous, but had little room for anything.
“Only five months after your wedding?” Pallosar sniffed impishly.
Kershai’s cheeks reddened. “Sweetvine. It’s best not to throw stones.”
“How soon after your wedding was I born, again, exactly?” Stamel glanced over.
“Nine months. To the day. Quite fortuitous.” Pallosar glanced away and stared at the ceiling for a long moment.
“Uh-huh. A few years ago, you said I was born prematurely.” Stamel snorted.
“Maybe. Honestly, it was so long ago, I forgot.” Pallosar coughed. “But I do not have any bastards running about.”
“Hmm? I don’t either.” Stamel grinned as he leaned back. “Tyran and Kimbel were adopted as wards of the Liaberos crown. Seidrik did so as a gift for me.”
“That’s so very sweet of him.” Pallosar studied his food for a moment before clearing his throat. “Still. Leave it to you to sniff out an omega parading about as a beta.”
“Can we please drop this subject? I feel terrible enough about it.” Seidrik sighed heavily.
“I, for one, encourage there to be more berating.” Virion laughed as he carefully offered Ahran a bite of his fruit.
“With the exception of Virion, of course. I deserve that much.” Seidrik shifted uneasily in his chair.
“How did nobody notice he was an omega, is what I’m asking.” Pallosar sighed.
“I just assumed he was a whiny little prat.” Virion dabbed at Ahran’s mouth with a napkin.
“I had a suspicion, but I kept my mouth closed lest Alluin try to foist him upon me.” Nemiah leered at Virion and stole a kiss. “I knew Virion was the right choice for me.”
