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“Thank you,” Samuel said.

“We wouldn’t want to interfere with your duties. We can find some on our own,” Bart said, staring right at Mirilla.

Vivian watched the friction developing between Bart and Mirilla, then shared a look with Quin to see if he noticed.

“Have you seen our Alexandrus yet?” Sovereigna Eula asked Mirilla.

“I have the announcement. It is perfect. It conveys the bond between our Sire, Sirena, and their Alexandrus. Any whose heart wasn’t touched by it surely cannot have a heart,” Mirilla said.

“Perfectly said,” Eula agreed. “Come see him in person. He is perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

Mirilla hesitated.

“You’re welcome to see him, but if you’re uncomfortable, don’t feel like you must,” Vivian said, already working on her second piece of fruit.

Mirilla had to pass very near Bart to get to the baby, and though it made her apprehensive at what his response might be, she refused to be cowed by him. She squeezed past him and leaned near Eula. “He is perfect. You have a beautiful grandson, Sovereigna,” Mirilla said.

“I know,” Eula said joyously.

Sovereign Zha Tahl laughed. “You may not ever get him back, Vivian.”

“Oh, she’ll give him back as soon as he growls at her. He can be quite testy when he’s hungry,” Vivian said, smiling lovingly at her son.

“What are these flowers?” Vivian asked, looking through the basket Mirilla had brought her.

“They’re called Heart of The Warrior, and are representative of males born this time of year. They are said to bring strength, courage and luck in battle to all born during the season they bloom in.”

“They’re beautiful!” Vivian said, more closely examining the deep red flowers. They were reminiscent of hibiscus from Earth, but smaller and such a dark red they almost appeared black. When touched, they felt like velvet in texture. “I want to save some of them as a reminder of the gifts he received on the day he was born. Can they be preserved?”

“I will have some encased in crystal for you, daughter,” Eula said.

“I would love that,” Vivian said.

“I’m honored to have gifted you something you’ve enjoyed so much,” Mirilla said.

“It’s my turn, I wish to hold Alexandrus before I must return to the never-ending vidcoms awaiting me,” Zha Tahl said.

“I’m not done,” Eula said.

“Eula, Ehlealah…”

“Fine, but you must sit down,” Eula instructed.

She stood so that her mate could have her seat, then carefully placed Alexandrus in Zha Tahl’s arms.

Quin lifted Vivian’s hand to his lips and gently kissed it as his father held their son and whispered to him a promise that he would always be safe and loved. It was quite a contrast to see the leader of Cruestace, strong and intimidating, gently holding the next of his line who would one day take his and his son’s places as Sovereign of Cruestace.

Alexandrus opened his eyes and gazed up at Zha Tahl when Zha Tahl spoke to him.

Zha Tahl stroked the baby’s head with a fingertip, which of course, resulted in a growl from Alexandrus.

Zha Tahl was delighted, laughed heartily, and stroked his head again to see if he could get another growl from him. “He is just like you were, Quin.”

“I hope he’s better than I in everything,” Quin said.

Vivian yawned and handed the rest of her half-eaten fruit to Quin.

“You should sleep, Ehlealah,” Quin said.

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