INSIDE THE ROYAL PALACE, THREE DAYS LATER
ZAVIER
The palace healer eventually confirmed something extremely important. Only Michael was pregnant, the relief across the palace was immediate and dramatic.
"Oh thank the gods."Ben nearly collapsed into a chair.
"You sounded genuinely afraid."Leo said.
"I survived one royal pregnancy already."Ben pointed directly at me. "There were cravings involving cheese and strawberries."
"They were delicious."I said.
"They were criminal."Ben replied.
"I SUPPORT CHAOTIC NUTRITION."Riko announced proudly.
"You support emotional damage."Huan muttered.
Meanwhile, Michael sat frozen in the center of the royal lounge while Serena hovered beside him with the intensity of a military guard protecting a national treasure. Actually, no, worse. She looked affectionate, which somehow terrified Michael more.
"You keep staring at me."Michael whispered nervously.
"You are carrying our child."Serena replied instantly.
