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He left the bedroom and quietly closed the door behind himself.

“Is she well?” Samuel asked as Quin rejoined them in the living room.

“She is. She assures me she is not in labor,” Quin assured them. “And Au'revele will be spending the night in the nanny’s room just off the nursery in the event Vivian needs her during the night, despite the fact that I’ll be here.”

“That’s a good thing. You’re a male, and women want other women with them in times like this. I’m glad Vivian has a friend that can comfort her,” Samuel said.

“As am I. I’m starved. What do we have left to eat? Should I call for a meal to be delivered?”

“Yeah, that’d be good,” Samuel said. “That way we can stay close by, and enjoy a few hours getting to know each other.”

“Zahn?” Quin said.

Zahn stepped out of the shadows at the top of the stairs and looked down at Quin.

“Do you and Rel wish to join us?”

“No, thank you, Sire. We’ll have our meal later.”

“You should call it an evening then. We’re all here. Guards are at the door, and at the entrance to this wing. Take this opportunity to relax, eat, reset for your next shift.”

“We can remain on duty, Sire. It is not a hardship.”

“I insist. We’re all here, and Vivian is taking a bath in preparation for bed.”

“Perhaps we’ll take a break soon and return later in the evening.”

“If that makes you feel more secure I won’t argue,” Quin said.

“Now, is there anything in particular that you’d like to eat?” he asked those sitting around the living room.

Chapter 10

Zahn stood on the upstairs landing, keeping watch over the entire suite, while staying out of sight just as a personal guard should, unless out in public. He was keenly aware that Au'revele had moved past him twice without giving any indication that she knew he was there. Either she intentionally completely ignored his presence, or she was so unaware of her surroundings she truly didn’t notice him. Twice! And it was completely unacceptable!

Quin gave him a sharp nod when they went past. It was barely perceptible, but it was still a recognition of the fact that he stood there, keeping everything and everyone safe. Surely Au'revele saw that much! A deep irritated rumble left his chest and rattled up through his chest once more.

Quin, who was now downstairs with his visitors, lifted his head and stared directly at Zahn still standing in the shadows. “Is there a problem, Zahn?” Quin demanded sharply.

“No, Sire. There is not,” Zahn answered at once.

Quin continued to stare at him for just long enough to silently convey what he thankfully didn’t say out loud, which was… handle your shit, or keep it to yourself. When there was no more snarl or indications of irritation overheard from the upstairs landing, Quin went back to visiting with his friends.

“Are you well?” Rel asked, taking care to keep his voice just barely a whisper.

“I am fine,” Zahn harshly whispered back.

“Apparently, you’re not,” Rel said.

“There is no cause for concern. I’m merely on edge,” Zahn said.

“Is that what you call it now?” Rel asked.

“Call what?” Zahn asked, finally turning his head just enough to see Rel.

Rel shook his head dismissively. “Just claim the female and be done with it.”

“I do not have an Ehlealah,” Zahn spat from between clenched teeth.

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