192
~Lisa's POV
The ride back to the palace was quiet. I sat in the palanquin, my hands resting over my stomach, still thinking about everything I had picked. Every little bonnet, the cradle, the quilt… they were mine now. Mine, and for my baby.
When we finally reached the palace, Damon was the first to step out. He turned, offering me his hand. I hesitated, then took it. His grip was warm, steady.
"Thank you," I said softly as we stepped inside the palace gates.
His brows furrowed slightly. "For what?"
"For letting me… for letting me choose," I said, my voice almost breaking. "For standing by me."
He only gave a small nod.
I turned to Rowan and Kael, forcing the words out though my chest felt tight. "And… thank you too." My tone was sharper, with a little scoff I couldn't hold back. "Even if you did nothing but taunt me the whole time."
Kael smirked, of course. "You should thank me properly. Without my sharp tongue, you wouldn't have fought back with such fire."
