Gabriel exhaled, eyes still on the bundle in his arms. Of course the nobles were already trying to align themselves with the most important child in the Empire. He had expected it.
"Let them," he murmured. "I'm still on recovery and rest…"
He trailed off.
Alexandra glanced at him, one brow rising. "What?"
"I promised Damian I wouldn't shed blood while pregnant." A slow, wicked smile curved his lips as he tilted his head. "I'm not pregnant anymore."
Alexandra laughed softly, the kind of sound that should've echoed through halls lined with knives. "Should I start a list?"
"Start with the ones who sent ceremonial wine. I'm breastfeeding."
"Noted."
"You can give me the list," came Damian's voice from the doorway, smooth as shadow on stone. "Gregoris is in a bad mood and would be grateful to do anything to take his mind off Rafael."
Gabriel didn't turn immediately. The shift in the room said enough. Power rarely announced itself twice.
