When the week of royal vacation is over, his majesty returns to his usual sessions at court. He doesn't have any big announcement, so the overall feeling is that we're not yet safe.

Alexander investigated the attempt on Lavinia's life, but the harpy covered her traces. She used a proxy for every step, from hiring the killer to delivering the money.

In the end, my husband held my hands and promised he would get revenge. I'll have to help him, but he'll tell me to stay put if I propose it now.

«I will attend the Autumn Hunt,» I say a couple of days before the grand event. «It's where the candidates for the Empress's place will make their debut. They'll be presented at the court and officially named as candidates. I can't miss it.»

«I can come with you.»

«I'd prefer if you stayed with Lavinia,» I breathe. I can't stop worrying about the little ball. She's so clueless, and she smiles at everyone.

She can't defend herself as a baby. So, we, her parents, should be those thinking about her life. I can't be with her that day, so I asked Alexander to take my place.

It's unheard of, in Ethiro, that a noblewoman takes care of her child. Let alone a nobleman!

But Alexander is different: he doesn't care about gossip. He will help me this once, and every time in the future I ask him again.

It's hard to resist the temptation to exploit him like this. I'm proud of myself for asking for help only when necessary.

«You're right,» he comments. «I'll stay with Vinnie.»

«I've received a letter from my uncle,» I add.

When Alexander clenches his fists, I hug him by instinct. Not because he might forbid me to meet with the Ambassador.

I don't want my husband to suffer alone, that's why. I can't help but remember how he felt in his first life. There is no need to keep that torment.

«Your plan has worked. You wrote to him, and he ran here,» he murmurs when he can unclench his teeth.

«I haven't,» I say, hugging him tighter.

«Mhm?»

«I used a couple of little tricks and made the news be heard by him. There's a perfect, reasonable explanation for his coming here. We won't have troubles for inviting him to the court.»

«But, Thea, I don't think he's on the Empress's side.»

«He's always been, from before the war. They're trying to destabilise Ethiro by all means. Their first purpose is to reach the sea. The second: more land and people.»

«From when you became Archduchess and part of the royal family, your uncle's interests changed. I'm sure Asteria would like more a whole Empire under their clutches than just a part.»

«From what I saw so far, Asteria is keeping their feet in several shoes. Just like Duke Grahm. They're supporting all the factions, trying to gain some advantage. We have to expose the link between Asteria and the Empress. We know it exists, but we don't have proof. I will help the Ambassador create all the proof we need during his stay.»

«And then, we'll expose them both?»

«Yes, my dear,» I murmur, pressing my head on his chest.

«And we will go back to Kyre and never come back.»

Now, never is a big word.

«Yes, my love,» I say. «We'll go to Kyre and take care of our family without getting involved in court intrigues.»

«Our family,» he whispers.

I'm amazed by how easy it is to make him focus on the bright side, sometimes. He still isn't used to it, apparently.

«Oh, Thea. That would be just wonderful. I wouldn't ask for anything else if we could finish this and have our life in peace.»

«But first, we need to push the Ambassador in the harpy's direction. He will be more careful now. He won't risk it if he has some chance of becoming the granduncle of an Emperor. In a certain sense, we're lucky that Lavinia isn't a boy.»

«I always wanted a daughter,» Alexander comments.

Should I remind him of the words he said a few days before finding out I was with child?

«She wouldn't become Empress if something happened to you. Hence, no need to hurt you,» I explain. «If we had a son, he would be second in line to the throne.»

«Oh, right.»

«Now, how can we do it? We have to show the Ambassador that, even in case the throne was empty, you wouldn't be chosen.»

«You're asking me to help the Dowager Empress's faction to rise in power?»

«No, Alexander.»

«Then, what are you planning?»

«We should find a way to make the Ambassador think it. And there's his majesty's loyalist faction that could help. They fear you more than her, for some reason.»

Which is weird. That woman killed quite a few people, and she caused the death of many nobles till now. She's more dangerous than my husband.

They should use their resources to put her back in place, even with the risk of facing some turmoil in the process.

«I don't like the thought, Thea. You're already in danger like this. Think about Lavinia.»

«Alexander,» I murmur. «We already are in danger. One more enemy isn't much. Also, I don't think the loyalist would hurt my child. She's an heir to the throne, and she might become useful in their perspective. They're not much on his majesty's side. Rather, they're linked to the throne. They will protect whoever sits there and his heirs.»

«Don't be in danger, Thea. Please.»

«I will be careful. And I'll bring you the Ambassador's head on a silver plate. What do you think about it, ah? Isn't it...»

«No,» he moans. «I don't want that. You are more important than vengeance.»

He pecks my hair, and I don't have any choice but postpone this discussion for a later time.

«And Lavinia,» I remind him.

«She is too,» he chuckles. «Why are you pointing it out?»

«You said you'll look after her during the Autumn Hunt.»

«I will.»

«Then, make sure not to spoil her too much.»

«She's a month-old baby. How can I spoil her, for goodness?»

«Don't carry her around at all times, or she'll forget how to fall asleep without cradling, then.»

«But I will cradle her if it happens,» he rebukes.

I pout and try freeing from his grip to cross my arms, but he doesn't let me.

«She won't get too heavy for me to carry,» Alexander points out.

Oh, well, he might be right.

I stand on tiptoe and land a light kiss on his lips.

«You're a good father,» I say.

«I do my best,» he sighs. «But you, wife... You don't think that a kiss like this one is enough?»

No, of course not. How could a peck be enough for my shameless Archduke?

He circles my waist with an arm, and the other passes behind my knees. He lifts me up, deaf to my low scream of complaints.

Then, he carries me to the bed.

«Don't wake up our daughter,» he murmurs.

I stop any word in my throat and look at him. What is he planning to do now?

«You're not yet healed,» he moans, his face desperate. «But you will soon be, won't you?»

Ah? Really?

«But I feel all right, Alexander.»

«The doctor said it's better to wait six or seven weeks.»

«When did you ask him?»

«After he visited Vinnie.»

«I didn't hear your question,» I say.

He managed to be discreet, what a surprise!

«Well, a couple of weeks more,» I realise. It's soon! Just fourteen days. I can count them on the calendar...

«No,» Alexander decides. «I don't want to hurt you. And you're not reliable in this kind of matter. You won't be able to tell me to stop if you feel uncomfortable.»

What is he talking about? I am a hundred per cent reliable.

«We will wait two months. This way, you won't be needed to hold back, wife.»

What? This shameless husband!

«Two months?»

«Yes!»

«I believe the doctor already computed a margin when he said six weeks, Alexander. It will be completely safe in a few days. Maybe, even now...»

«Don't start yet. I won't risk your health because of this.»

«So, why did you say I shouldn't wake our daughter up? You're not going to do anything,» I murmur.

«I didn't say that,» he chuckles. «There are many things a husband and wife can do aside from bed activities.»

«Things that would make me shout?»

He licks my earlobe, and I bend my neck to the side.

«No, you won't shout today,» he sighs. «But I want to hug you. To kiss you until you gasp for air... That kind of things.»

«Oh,» I moan. He's in the mood for cuddling. «If you insist...»

His teeth graze my shoulder after my remark, but he doesn't leave any mark. Not this time. He's keeping it for a later time.

Two months, he said? Ah, why is life so difficult?