*
Kiara watched Nykyrian wrestle on the floor with Thia, her heart light at the way Nykyrian "helped" Thia with her homework. Somehow their lessons always ended up in play. Kiara smiled, knowing he was a good father and a wonderful husband.
Sunlight poured brightly through the doors of the palace's library. Six months had passed since Nykyrian left the hospital, and during that time, they had left the cozy little house nestled among the stars to live with Nykyrian's father, where Nykyrian claimed she and Thia had protection from the boowahs who might harm them.
The two of them laughed as they rolled around on the floor. Thia shrieked, then ran away, the lorinas following her as she sprinted up the stairs.
A wide smile curved Kiara's lips as she met Nykyrian's gaze. "You must have tickled her."
Nykyrian laughed. Grabbing his cane, he pulled himself to his feet. He still walked with a pronounced limp, but he was alive and well.
"Are you glad Thia's with us?" he asked, pulling her into his arms.
Kiara grunted as her rounded belly collided with his firm, muscular chest. She was two weeks overdue. "At the moment, I wish this one would join us."
Nykyrian's dimples flashed.
Kiara touched the deep indentations, hoping their baby had a set as well. "I'm happy Thia's here. She told me yesterday she wanted a brother this time, so he could help her beat you up, and a sister the next time, so she would have someone to play dolls with."
One corner of his mouth lifted. "I'm willing to accommodate her."
Warm happiness consumed Kiara. "I am too. At least as long as I don't have to raise them without you."
His arms tightened around her. "I'm retired. I swear I'll never take another mission again."
Kiara gave him a doubting stare. "Not even if Rachol comes in and begs you?"
He kissed her lightly on the lips. "I love you," he whispered.
Kiara's breath caught in her throat. Her lips trembled as he finally spoke the words she needed to hear. "What?" she said, wanting him to repeat them.
"I love you, mu shona, and I will never again leave you."
Kiara smiled at him, knowing that this time, they were together forever.