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Alexandrus stared at his grandmother’s fingers as they pinched the air and moved ever so slowly closer to his tummy. The moment her fingers were close enough to him, both of his pudgy little hands slapped together, trapping her hand between his as he growled and tried to lean forward to bite her.

Eula laughed delightedly as she tickled his belly, resulting in uncontrollable belly laughs from him. Then the whole thing would start all over again.

Quin was sitting across from his mother with Vivian sitting beside him, curled into his side as they took advantage of the first quiet moment they’d had in the last day and a half.

Someone tapped on the door, then it was opened and Ban Lo stepped inside. “Sire, your warriors have arrived.”

Vivian sat up and looked at Quin. “Your warriors?” she asked.

“Lo’San sent help.”

“I am only here for the youngling!” Kol shouted.

“Kol!” Vivian exclaimed, standing up quickly from the sofa she sat on.

“Careful, Vivi,” Quin reminded.

“I’m fine,” she said, moving quickly across the living room to get to Kol.

Kol hugged her tight, turning her back and forth. “Vivi! It’s been a year!”

“It’s only been two weeks,” Quin grumbled. “Let go of my Ehlealah.”

“Kol, you’d better come over here and greet me properly!” Eula said.

“Mumum! Look at you sitting there with a feral little fellow like he’s not going to bite you,” Kol said, snatching his hand back as Alexandrus leaned forward, clacking his teeth in Kol’s direction. Kol kissed Eula’s cheek and tickled Alexandrus’ belly but instead of a belly laugh, Alexandrus growled at him.

“He’s not as bad as yours are,” Jhan said, walking in behind Kol.

“I have two, and they’re older,” Kol mumbled.

“Jhan! I did not expect you here. I am very glad to see you,” Quin said.

Jhan and Quin embraced, then Jhan walked over to hug Vivian as he answered Quin. “When Lo’San explained what was happening here, there was no way I wasn’t coming.”

“Thank you for dedicating yourself to whatever it is that we find here.”

“Would you expect any less?” Jhan asked, returning to Quin’s side.

“Only that you’re always off on some new adventure,” Quin said.

“I’d have left it and come here,” Jhan said. He patted Quin on the shoulder and smiled at Eula. “And Mumum! Being a grandmother suits you.”

“I know! I’ve been saying that!” Eula said, offering her cheek for a kiss.

“Where do I pitch my tent?” Kron asked as he walked into the royal residence.

“Outside. I do not want to have to keep you safe, too,” Vor said, as he followed right behind him.

Vivian’s head shot up and she squealed as she rushed Vor.

Vor laughed as he caught her in his arms. “Sirena, I have missed you,” he said, setting her down and stepping back to perform a deep bow after slamming his arm over his chest to declare his loyalty once again.

“How are you here?” she asked. “I thought all your personal guard duties are over.”

“He’s mated now! He can actually think straight again,” Kron teased.

“Oh, Vor, that’s wonderful! Congratulations.”

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