Page 82 of The Stolen Kingdom

“Oh, we will,” Melvian said before plucking a piece of meat from Isen’s hands and taking a bite.

Maris watched Eyphah until she exited the tavern before returning to her stew. She dipped a piece of bread in it and brought it to her mouth. Valda’s quiet demeanor was making her anxious.

Valda shook her mug and let out a frustrated sigh before standing from her chair. “I am going to get us some more drinks. I will be right back.”

Maris frowned. Before she could say anything, Valda walked away, exiting the tavern, followed by her faithful companion.

18

Melvian let out yet another exasperated sigh.

“Melvian, stop it.” Maris groaned and moved her hand underneath the curve of her stomach and pressed her hand there. “You know I need to do this; you taught me this, remember?”

“I didn’t take this long though…”

“Well, the thing is that Coral was pregnant with one baby, you have two. I must make sure they are both ready for the birth and they are in the best position possible. If you are already having contractions, and according to the date you’ve given me, these two will be here any day now,” Maris said, her hand moving to the side of her swollen stomach. She pressed a little too hard, making Melvian let out a pained groan. “Sorry, sorry, I know. I am trying to get baby number two to move.”

“Stubborn like their father?”

“And their mother. Are Skylians always that hardheaded?” Maris asked with a soft curve on the corner of her lips.

“I wouldn’t talk so much about being stubborn if I were you.”

“Oh, hush.” Maris moved away and placed her fists on her hips. “How far along are the contractions?”

“To be honest?”

Maris frowned at Melvian. “Are you really asking me if you can be honest?” Maris arched her brow.

“Fine. It was the morning of the attacks. I’ve been having them once every…. Ten? Twelve hours? I am not sure.”

“Why in the world didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to bother you and add more weight to your shoulders. I am having twins, Maris, this will not be an easy birth.”

“It will be more difficult if you don’t tell me what is wrong with you!”

A knock on the door interrupted them. Isen opened the door, and as his eyes fell upon Melvian, they sparkled with want. “How are my two queens doing this evening?”

Maris chuckled and turned to Melvian, whose face was now beautifully colored pink. “I was just telling your mate that she needs to tell her healer everything.”

“Oh, please, don’t let me stop you. This woman doesn’t want to be a hassle and won’t tell anyone if she is uncomfortable.” Isen walked to Melvian, kissed her temple, and then moved to sit on a nearby chair. “Did you tell Maris about the contractions?”

“I did,” Melvian answered. “I told her the truth.”

“I expect nothing less than the truth!” Maris said, crossing her arms under her chest and sitting next to Melvian. “As soon as you notice your contractions becoming more frequent, you have to let me know.”

“I will…” Melvian said, placing both hands over her belly and eyeing Isen before looking back at Maris.

“That doesn’t sound convincing. Maybe I should stay the night with you just in case the contractions worsen.” As she finished her sentence, Melvian tensed, inhaling deeply and looking at Isen once more. The Sealian soldier puckered his lips and looked down at the ground, as if wanting to avoid saying what was on his mind.

“Is something wrong?” Maris asked, arching a brow.

Melvian turned before touching Maris’s knees. “You know I love you, right?”

Maris narrowed her eyes and nodded.

“Good. But I haven’t seen my mate in a very,verylong time. You haven’t seen yours even longer and I really believe we all need some alone time.”

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