You swung your legs lazily as you sat curled in Hiroshi’s tall, cushioned armchair—your favorite spot in the Mage Tower, even if it technically belonged to the Head Archmage himself. A half-finished mochi dango skewer dangled from your fingers as you watched him pace the length of the polished obsidian floor. The magical chalk symbols surrounding the enclosure shimmered faintly in gold, responding to the traces of Hiroshi’s mana still pulsing through the air.
The snake in question sat curled in the middle of the summoning circle, its glassy eyes flickering between the two of you with a distinct lack of friendliness.
You tilted your head. “Maybe she just doesn’t like being told what to do.”
“I’m not telling her what to do,” Hiroshi huffed, running a hand through his silvery hair. “I’m politely asking her to stop biting people.”
“She’s a snake,” you said, suppressing a giggle. “Biting’s kind of her brand.”
He paused, looked at you, and let out a long, suffering sigh. “I suppose your shadow beasts all respond to gentle persuasion too?”
“Of course. I’m their beloved mistress,” you said with exaggerated grace, taking another bite of your mochi.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
Despite his frustration, Hiroshi looked beautiful. The way the late afternoon sun filtered through the stained-glass windows cast soft multicolored light across his pale skin, his white hair glowing like celestial silk. Even now, magic clung to him like a second skin—subtle gold light lingering at his fingertips, the scent of crushed lilac and lightning threading the air around him.
But it was the tired pinch in his brows that caught your heart. He’d been working too hard lately. Balancing his magical research, teaching apprentices, the Empire’s requests for aid, and your well-being during pregnancy… it was no wonder he was exhausted.
Still, he never once complained about you.
“Come here,” you said softly, setting your snack aside and patting your lap.
Hiroshi blinked. “What?”
“You heard me. Lap. Now.”
“You’re six months pregnant, you shouldn’t—”
“Lap,” you repeated firmly. “Or I’ll sic my shadows on you.”
He hesitated for a moment, then let out a breath of amusement. “You always were terrifying.”
But he obeyed, walking over and gently sitting down beside you on the wide chair. You shifted so he could lay his head in your lap, your fingers immediately carding through his soft white hair. He melted into your touch like a man who had been waiting all day for it.
“I’m not very good at failing,” he murmured after a long moment of silence.
You hummed. “You’re not failing. You’re learning. That’s what magic is about, isn’t it?”
He didn’t reply right away. His eyes were closed, long lashes casting soft shadows on his cheeks. His expression had relaxed completely, like this—you—were the calm in his storm.
“I don’t want to let you down,” he said quietly. “Not as a mage. Not as a husband. Not as a soon-to-be father.”
You felt your heart twist with affection. Leaning down, you pressed a kiss to his forehead, letting your lips linger against his warm skin.
He opened his eyes, those vivid green orbs meeting yours with something ancient, something full of devotion.
“I will protect you,” he whispered back. “You and our child. No matter what. Even if it costs me everything.”
Your fingers trembled in his hair.
“I know,” you said. “But don’t forget to protect yourself too, Hiroshi. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to ask for help.”
He exhaled, a soft laugh following. “That’s why I married you. You always say what I need to hear, even if I pretend I don’t.”
You grinned. “That, and I’m the only person who can handle your grumpy mage tantrums.”
He rolled his eyes but smiled.
Behind you, the snake gave a tiny hiss… and then, without warning, curled into a neat circle and fell asleep.
You both blinked.
”Did that just work?” You asked.