Page 119 of Born for Silk

I soon learn that at the conclusion of a Trade campaign, when Rome returns, activity bursts across The Estate like an exploding mosaic. They celebrate his presence.

Gripping the top of the balcony, I lean over and watch another carnival unfold like a living tapestry, spreading colourful tents and lights across the streets.

The citizens move around in waves. The music lifts up to where I stand on the roof of his personal wing, a teasing melody I am not allowed to completely enjoy.

I am not allowed to go.

I place my hand over my womb.

Protect the heir…

From here, I can see the piazza fountains shooting into the sky, and if I lift to my tippy-toes, I can see the stage erected between the ancient city buildings and Rome sitting on his throne with an empty seat to his right and Lord Turin Two, Lord Bled, Lord Medan, and Kong to his left.

Mm, he is so handsome.

I flatten my feet and pout.

“I suspected as much.” A soft voice comes from behind me, and when I turn, I see Tuscany strolling onto the balcony. “I could disguise you.” She stops a few feet away and smiles, faint but sweet. “We could put you in a pretty mask and hood and have you wander in the shadows to enjoy the festivities.”

As if he understood, Odio screeches from the skies above the building. Not approving the plan.

“Oh, Odio. Really?” Tuscany half-laughs at the great beast as he lands on the roof above us, leaning over the brink to watch us converse on the platform below. “Well, he misses nothing. He is probably wary of my guests.”

I lift a brow. “Your guests?”

Suddenly, a familiar voice soars from inside. “Aster!” I beam. Blossom and Daisy dash through the balcony’s open doors, the purple drapes swaying as they fly past.

Daisy grins. “I have news.”

“I do, too.” Blossom bounces over.

My heart warms as the three of us embrace, our soft squeals and greetings singing in the air.

“I do miss our routines and the courtyard,” I admit, “I feel as though I have abandoned you.”

“It has only been a few days.” Daisy chuckles but pulls me in a little tighter to show how she feels.

My smile reaches every inch of my face, when another voice comes from inside. “What is the intention of the mantled eagles? They are… welcoming?”

My chin turns in time to see a stunning dark-skinned girl with a round belly walking—waddling—toward us.

“Ana!”

She presses into our huddle on the balcony, and I revel in the moment, my yearning to join the distant carnival melting away. “You’re feeling well?”

“I am feeling,” she simply says. “And accepting. I want to appreciate the smaller details before the puzzle is complete and I miss them. Like you. You’re a very pretty detail that I do not ever wish to take for granted.”

A lump forms in my throat. “Ana.”

As sentiment bites at our smiles and glosses our eyes, Ana clears her throat, shaking it away. She bumps Daisy with her hip. “Tell her.”

“I am pregnant,” Blossom blurts out.

“Blossom,” Daisy mock-moans. “We flipped a puzzle piece on who would go first.”

Blossom covers her smile. “Sorry!”

“As am I.” Daisy’s expression takes on a serious, significant manner when she places both of her palms on my lower abdomen. “And I hear you carry a king, Aster.”

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