Arkanos stopped near a cluster of lilies, his gaze flicking to her. "You didn't come here to talk about flowers, Kaela," he said, his voice low but not unkind.
"What's on your mind?"Kaela took a breath, her hands clasping in front of her as she met his gaze. "I… heard Sephira's announcement tonight," she began, her tone careful. "About her child. It's joyous news, truly. But it made me think about my place here. About what I can offer you… and the empire." Her eyes flickered with a mix of resolve and vulnerability, a rare crack in her usual serenity.Arkanos tilted his head, intrigued. "Your place is secure, Kaela," he said, his voice steady.
"You're my wife, part of this family. Sephira's child doesn't change that."
Kaela's lips twitched into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I know," she said. "But I've always been… quieter than Illena or Sephira. Less… bold. But now Illena has Vael.... and now Sephira will have her child. I… I..."
