(Set during the ballroom scene in More Than Blood. This perspective occurs right before Spade’s first POV which hasn’t been released yet.)

———

Queen Nerva observed the gala with such pride and warmth. All her children were doing a splendid effort in socializing like they were taught.

“We did well,” King Redfal surprised his wife who was so focused on her children, she had not noticed another presence. “Yes. Yes we did.”

“Do you remember that time many moons ago when we brought Spade home? The first time our family was all together?” Redfal asked, though he knew the answer well. It was her favorite moment to look back on.

OoOoO

“When is Mommy going to get here?” A ten year old Cove pulling at Louisa’s arm, her excitement evident.

“They should be here very soon, my dear,” Louisa answered. Queen Nerva could hear the bustling liveliness of her children before she even walked through the door.

“You ready, Nerva?” She turned to her husband and nodded. “They’ll love him,” she said, cradling their son.

King Redfal leaned down and kissed Spade’s forehead and then pressed one to her cheek as well. “They already do, my queen.”

When the doors opened, she was swarmed by her lovely children. She could tell they were excited but impatient. They were trying so hard to not show their impatience, and it was adorable.

They all hugged their parents first, but practically waited in line to watch their newest sibling.

“Mommy, he’s so small,” a four year old Amerie gushed as she looked down on at her baby brother from her father’s arms.

“How old is he?” An eight year old Kent questioned, having several baby books laid out, ready to read to him.

The queen situated herself on the long couch as her family sat down either next to her or in front of her on the ground. “He is just about 3 months old. I bet he would love a story in a bit,” Redfal suggested, ruffling Kent’s hair.

“Can we play with Spade?” A five year old Hale asked, her gaze studying the baby, trying to figure out if he is capable of some sort of movement. A nine year old Della brushed Spade’s cheeks, and she marveled at the softness of his skin. “He’s just a baby, Hale,” Della teased, running her hand through her short hair. Once the strands fell from her fingers, the Queen saw a look flash across her daughter’s face.

“It’ll grow, Della,” she brought Della towards her and kissed the top of her head. Della beamed up at her mother. “Then I’ll have long, pretty hair like you and Cove!”

“Yes you will, sweetheart,” Redfal added with a comforting hand in her shoulder.

“Mommy, Daddy, may I hold him?” Cove inquired, poised and polite as always.

“You may. Can you be still for me?” Her oldest child eagerly nodded. Her arms already held out for her brother.

Nerva gently positioned Spade in Cove’s grasp. Once she was sure she was supporting his head, Queen took a step back and just took it in. This was her family. Her beautiful family.

Her husband joined her in basking in the feeling of family. “Our family is complete now.” “Yes it is.”

OoOoO

“I never knew I could be so happy until that moment,” Nerva confessed. Having dealt with a world of sickness and leading the kingdoms at a young age, she didn’t know that level of peace until then.

“But here we are, still as jovial as ever.” He landed a quick kiss on her lips before looking around as if they would get caught.

“Do you think anyone saw?” He asked in a hushed tone. She laughed and shoved him playfully. His humor had not changed since the day that she met him. She lived him for it.

“My dear, I think everyone saw. Fortunately, we are the rulers,” she said lovingly.

As her gaze returned to her the gala happening around her, her children’s tutor approached.

“Queen Nerva, may I have a word with you about one of the Royal heirs?” Mr. Nevyle requested.

Redfal excused himself when he spotted a lord he needed to speak with.

“That is my favorite topic to talk about. Which one?”

“Prince Spade. He surpasses my expectations for someone of his years. I would suggest that he be incorporated in this discussion.”

“I love hearing such glowing remarks, Mr. Nevyle. They make me very proud.”

“I am only giving the review that he deserves.” She smiled at the way he spoke. Even when he was her tutor, he was like this. “They look after each other. I am just so lucky.”

“I would say so, my queen. Would it be an adequate time to bring Prince Spade into the conversation?”

She nodded. As she heard Mr. Nevyle call for Spade, she watched her family, feeling like when she did so many years ago.

Her beautiful family.