I woke early, sunlight streaming through the palace windows as Rhys stirred against my chest. His tiny fingers flexed, and I marveled at how perfectly they curled around my thumb when I offered it to him.
"Good morning, little prince," I whispered, still amazed that this perfect being was mine—ours.
The bed shifted as Kaelen rolled toward us, his green eyes heavy with sleep but immediately softening when they landed on our son.
"How long have you been awake?" he asked, voice rough as he propped himself up on one elbow.
"Only a few minutes. He's just starting to stir." I kissed Rhys's downy head, inhaling his sweet baby scent. "We have that meeting with the priestess today."
Kaelen nodded, reaching out to stroke Rhys's cheek with his knuckle. "For the dedication ceremony. Are you feeling up to it?"
"I'm fine," I assured him. "The Goddess's healing is remarkable. Besides, this is important."
