Page 16 of Baby for the Serp General

Rosalie sighed. “I can’t make any promises, but I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I ask.” Natalia embraced her mother. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, baby.”

The word made her stiffen as she contemplated telling her mother she suspected she was pregnant. No, she should tell Zath first and had only held off because she’d worried he wouldn’t let her come alone to her mom if she told him she suspected she was expecting before she came to see her mother.

She’d been nauseated for days and had missed her last period, which was unusual for her. She hadn’t mentioned it to Zath, but she suspected he knew something was different. He was perceptive like that. “You’ll meet with him, won’t you, Mom?” she asked, trying to convince her mother. She had deeply personal reasons to want the truce with expecting a baby. She wanted her mate and her mother to be part of its life.

“I’ll think about it. I’m not sure I can trust him. Any of them.” Rosalie’s expression was guarded. “You know how I feel about the Faction.”

“I know, but this could be a chance for peace. I want both of you in my life. I don’t want to choose.”

Rosalie bit her lip and sighed. “I understand, but I need to be cautious. I can’t risk the safety of our people.”

She nodded. “I know, but please do it. For me. I’m asking you to trust me.”

Rosalie sighed. “Fine. I’ll meet with him, but I make no guarantees.”

“That’s all I ask.” She smiled in relief and hugged the older woman again. “Thank you, Mom.”

“Don’t thank me yet. We still have a lot of work to do.” Her expression was grim. “The rebels aren’t going to give up easily, and neither are the Faction.”

“I know, but we have to try. It’s the only way forward.” Natalia’s voice was firm.

“I hope you’re right, darling.” Her voice softened. “I want you to be happy, and I’m glad you found someone who treats you well. I just have to get used to the idea of my little girl being mated to a Serp.”

“I know it’s a lot to take in, but I think this could be the beginning of a new era for both our peoples. We have a chance to build a better future for everyone, and I want to be part of that.” Natalia smiled, her eyes shining. “I love you, Mom, and I want peace for everyone.”

“I love you too, baby.” Rosalie’s eyes misted as she embraced her daughter. “I’m proud of you, and I know your father would be too. Robert would have been so thrilled to see you standing up for what you believe in.”

Natalia’s eyes filled with tears as she returned the embrace. “I need to get back. I promised Zath I’d return, and I don’t want to worry him.”

“I understand.” Rosalie released her. “Be safe and tell your mate I look forward to meeting him.” Her tone suggested she wasn’t exactly anticipating it, but she was resigning herself to the idea.

“I will.” Natalia turned and headed for the exit, her heart lighter than it had been in years. She had her mother’s support, and she was hopeful for the future.

As she stepped out into the cool morning air, she breathed in the fresh scent of the flowers blooming nearby. The sun was rising over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. It was a beautiful sight, and she realized the world was healing, just like them.

She smiled, her heart full of joy. She was finally where she belonged, and she couldn’t wait to share the news with Zath.

He was waiting for her in the lobby when she arrived back at the Embassy, his expression concerned. “I was worried about you,vrash. I knew you’d return, but I still worried.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to concern you.” She wrapped her arms around him, breathing in his familiar scent. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” He nuzzled her neck, his tongue flicking out to taste her skin. “Did you speak with your mother?”

“I did.” She leaned into his embrace, enjoying the warmth of his body. “She’s willing to meet with you, but she’s skeptical.”

“I understand. I would be too.” He cupped her cheek, gazing into her eyes. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“I think I do.” She smiled, her heart swelling with emotion. “I’m glad I can bring you two together. It’s important to me.”

“It’s important to me too. I want peace, and I believe your mother can help us achieve it.” His eyes glowed with an inner light. “Wewillchange the world, my love.”

She smiled, her eyes misting. “I believe you.”

He kissed her, his tongue tangling with hers before he pulled back with a groan. “I want you.”

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