It had been almost a year since your wedding with Alexander. You were meant to conceive an heir immediately—but, to the disappointment of your parents, it had taken a year.

You were lounging in the library of the palace by the fireplace, dressed in a comfortable white gown and stitching a garment for your baby. You didn’t even notice Alexander had entered.

“How are you feeling, darling?” Alexander spoke into your ear, stretching over the back of the couch to rest a gentle hand on your bump.