When I remember the book Alexander sweated so much not to make me read, days have passed.

I'm constantly sitting on the couch with a mountain of pillows behind my back. The baby has started moving.

Sometimes, my stomach trembles as the baby changes position. It's funny, and I always burst out laughing when I notice it.

Alexander observes my face with a pout, wondering whether to walk to me or not. In the end, he hasn't yet asked to touch my stomach while the baby moves.

However, he talks to it every night before sleep while I stare at him dumbfounded. If I didn't dream how he wanted to touch my womb but didn't have the courage to ask, I wouldn't be this inclined to let him act like an idiot.

The baby can't hear him: why is he so insistent? Isn't it better to talk later, after it's born?

He couldn't cuddle with his Queen during his first life as she didn't like too much contact. I don't either, but his feelings when she allowed him to caress her stomach once were so sweet that I can't bring myself to stop him.

I know how much he wants it, thanks to the dreams that crowd my nights. And I know that his interest won't fade once the baby is born.

While he talks to the baby, I read the book he tried to hide from me. It's the one about how a woman should be treated. I changed the cover to avoid being discovered.

I've read half of it by now.

Most of the things in here are absolute crap, but some are interesting. It's my luck that my Duke hasn't believed it.

One of the things it repeats most often is that one should be cold to a lady he's interested in. I wouldn't have liked a cold Duke. My husband is just perfect the way he is.

Even when he's clingy or touches me more than what's appropriate. It's better than the other option: not touching or talking with me at all.

Today, though, I find out something new. This book says that one should treat a pregnant wife carefully.

This might be part of the reason why my Duke is always ready to jump up and go on a mission to find me food or whatever I ask him.

The reason given here is a bit strange: it's because a happy, spoiled wife won't inquire about the husband's habits and won't feel dejected by his distance.

It could be considered a valid motive if my Duke was distant. But he's even closer than before.

«Are you going to continue for long?» I inquire, leaving the book on the bedside table.

«Are you jealous?»

«You're more attentive to your child than your wife.»

«Oh, I will be attentive with my wife in a moment,» he replies with a wily grin.

He wishes goodnight to our child and then sits next to me. He pecks my neck and moves up a kiss at a time. It takes him a whole minute to reach my mouth.

«What did you have so urgent to say?» I ask when we split. He whispered for the whole time, maybe not to make me hear.

«Nothing important.»

After kissing for some more time, Alexander retreats on his part of the bed. He settles on the side, gazing at me from there.

This is another thing I can't understand about my husband. He moves away and then longs like a hungry puppy.

I've never told him to sleep far from me, so his actions are unnecessary. However, I can survive without his warmth because my blood pressure has improved with the pregnancy.

«I've started making preparations for the journey,» I inform him.

I've already settled the papers for the next few months. Alexander stopped being lazy for a couple of days and helped me. So, we've finished everything in the blink of an eye.

He's competent when he puts some effort into his work. I'm impressed that he stopped reading erotic books from the sofa to help me with the tasks.

«When?» he sighs, bending an arm behind his head.

«We can depart in two weeks. The weather will be warm enough, and I've planned the stops to the last detail.»

«We won't be able to travel without breaks, indeed,» he mutters. «Thea, do you want to visit Ethiro with me?»

«Huh?»

«We already have to travel slowly. We might as well go sightseeing if you feel well.»

«I'm fine, but I thought you didn't like to travel for long.»

«What I like and dislike is not important. We can visit some nice places.»

«Yes,» I nod, «we can travel together.»

Somehow, part of my being is excited at these words.

«We can explore together,» I say. I don't know why I feel like saying it. It's not like I fancy travelling. I prefer staying at a single place rather than wandering.

But seeing the world together with Alexander feels different. It's thrilling.

«Also, I think you'd like to meet the people sent to Ethiro the day the peace treaty was signed.»

«It wasn't a peace treaty,» I point out. «It was a surrender.»

«Whatever, the hundred youths are safe and sound. You might want to check we're respecting the conditions.»

I just shrug. I'm not sure I want to meet them.

After all, they're prisoners because of me. And they're paying their part of the price while I'm happily married.

«I don't think it's a wise idea,» I mutter, and Alexander seems to realise my issue.

«Then, we won't meet them. It's as simple as that, my dear. You have to just tell me your mind, and I'll bring you anything you desire.»

«Even power?» I tease him.

«You already have all the power you wanted. I've left you to administer Kyre to your heart's desire. You can order my subjects around, you can sign documents in my name, and you can decide how to allocate the budget. What else do you need to reach power?»

«What else? Hmm... I can't think of anything on the spot.»

«If you remember, just tell me,» he reminds me.

Before closing my eyes to sleep, I bow over and peck his cheek.