“He’s not doing great,” Nektas noted in a low voice, nodding toward the colonnade’s alcove as he rubbed the spot between Jadis’s wings. “Aurelia is worried.”

I glanced up to see the female draken perched on the pillars above where Attes stood in the shadows. “I know.”

I quickly passed the long table, spotting Saion with a deck of cards. I had no idea what was going on there, but the devious glint in the Primal’s eyes and the way Theon sat across from him, shaking his head, told me Saion would likely gain some coin before the night ended.

Picking up the lacy skirt of my black gown, I climbed the short set of steps and crossed into the alcove. Attes didn’t look at me as I approached, but he gave me an elaborate bow.

I shook my head at the gesture. “Surprised to see you standing in the shadows.”

“I know. It does seem like something your husband would do.” A quick grin appeared. There was no dimple. “There’s really no reason.”

I knew that was a lie as I studied his profile. In the last two months, there had been moments when Attes seemed more like his old self. He’d do his level best to annoy Ash. He’d laugh. He’d smile. But I only saw the dimples appear when he was driving Lailah mad about something. Then, there were all the other moments where he looked like he hadn’t slept in several days. What concerned me the most was that, more and more, his features were utterly impassive, like he felt absolutely nothing.

“Please, don’t,” he said, his eyes meeting mine.

“Don’t what?”

“Ask if I’m okay.” He sighed, his gaze leaving mine again. “I am.”

“I won’t ask it,” I said. “But I also know you’re not.”

He took a swig of what was likely whiskey. I followed his gaze, realizing he was watching Lailah dance with a man I didn’t recognize. Her braids were down and flowed around her shoulders bared by her white gown.

“She looks beautiful tonight,” I commented.

“She does.”

My gaze roamed over the tall, dark-haired male as he lifted her and spun, sending the hem of her gown billowing. I sensed the man was a god, but I stopped myself from seeing more. “Who is she dancing with?”

“Some jackass.”

I looked at him. “Then why aren’t you dancing with her?”

“Because I’m a worse jackass.” He grinned, and the dimple on his right cheek winked into existence. “I’ve been thinking.”

“Oh, no,” I teased lightly, even though I had a good idea exactly what he had been thinking about.

Attes’s smirk was halfhearted. “I think it’s time.”

I drew in a breath that stung my throat. “When?”

“Tomorrow.”

My eyes fell shut. Tomorrow?

“I’ve stayed longer than I planned,” he continued. “Lailah is ready. So is Theon. Vathi will be in good hands.”

“Until you return,” I added, my voice hoarse as I opened my eyes.

His stare met mine. “Until I return.”

This time, I breathed through my nose. I wanted to tell him they weren’t ready, but that wouldn’t be fair to the twins, and it would also be a lie.

“Don’t.”

I blinked rapidly. “What am I not to do now?”

“Be sad.”

A shaky laugh left me.

He lowered the bottle. “I’m not dying, Sera. I’m just going into stasis. I will be resting.”

“I know, but…” My chest rose as I forced in a deep breath. “But I was hoping you wouldn’t be ready.”

Attes said nothing to that.

I lifted my gaze to his. “I will miss you.”

He smiled and looked away. We stood in silence for several minutes, each watching Lailah and the others dancing.

“Attes?”

“Yes, my Queen?”

“You’d better not take too long. I feel as if we will need your aid when it comes to keeping track of these two,” I said, patting my stomach.

“Not sure if you really want my influence.”

“And I’m pretty sure I do.” I stretched up and kissed his cheek. “You’re a good man, Attes.”

His cheeks pinkened, and I could’ve sworn I heard a low growl coming from the floor. “And I think you’re trying to get me murdered before I can even go into stasis.”

“He would never.” I patted Attes’s arm, reluctant to leave his side. “If you need anything between tonight and tomorrow…”

He nodded. I knew he wouldn’t need anything. This would be the last time I spoke to him until…until he was ready.

I looked away from him, catching sight of someone who sent a bolt of surprise through me.

Ward stood beside Penellaphe, where she spoke with Ione. I had no idea where Bele and Aios had disappeared to. I hadn’t expected to see Ward here. I’d figured the likelihood of him attending was about the same as Holland showing up. Ward looked over to where I stood, a faint smile on his handsome face.

“I’m going to go annoy your husband by complimenting how lovely you look in your gown.” Attes pushed off the wall, drawing my attention back to him.

I arched a brow. “And here you were, just worried about being murdered by him.”

“I decided watching him struggle not to throttle me is worth the risk,” he said with a wink.

Laughing, I watched him make his way to Ash, knowing this was for the best. He was tired. He needed rest. He needed to heal so he didn’t become his brother.

And when he was ready to return to us, we would be waiting.

I stayed where I was as Ward excused himself to join me in the alcove.

“I hear many congratulations are in order,” he said, the skin at the corners of his eyes creasing with his smile.

I glanced down in surprise. I’d thought the style of gown, how it gathered under my breasts and with its loose waist, had hidden the small bump.

“It’s not noticeable,” he assured me.

“Then…” My head jerked up, and I sighed. “Holland?”

Ward nodded. “He wanted you to know that he’s absolutely thrilled,” he said. “He would’ve given the message to Penellaphe, but he hasn’t told her.”

“Really?”

“He knows it is wise for only a few to know at this time,” He paused. “And he also knows that Penellaphe will be too excited not to blurt it out.”

I looked over at Penellaphe, resisting the urge to cradle my stomach, something I found myself doing often for no reason at all. “You really think she will be excited?”

“Of course.” A slight frown appeared. “Why wouldn’t she be?”

“The prophecy.” Since Penellaphe hadn’t been there either time when we spoke with Keella, I had filled her in on what we had learned and what Aydun said. “You’re aware of what we discovered?”

Ward nodded.

Something occurred to me then. “If we are somehow unable to prevent Sotoria from being reborn? A viktor will likely be involved.”

The breeze ruffled his sandy-brown hair as he tilted his head. “I can’t say for sure, but she would usher in great change.”

“She will do more than just that.”

His gaze lifted to mine.

“Holland said that none in my bloodline has ever hungered for power,” I said after a moment. “Even those who held power. I imagine that will hold true, be they mortal, god, or Primal.”

Ward was silent.

“If she is reborn and given a viktor, I want it to be you. I plan to get a message to Holland to let him know that I have requested this. I don’t think he’ll refuse. I feel like he owes me.”

Ward’s sea-blue eyes shot to mine. “I—”

“If not for you, I would not be standing here today. You saved my namesake and likely my life in Lotho,” I said quickly. “I trust you.”

“You barely know me.”

“I know that you would not kill a child,” I replied.

He closed his mouth, but I swore I saw relief in his eyes.

I looked closely at him. “What did you think I was going to ask?”

Ward didn’t answer immediately. “What my last Queen asked of me.”

My brows flew up. “I would never ask you to kill a child.”

“I do not mean to insult you with such a suggestion,” he said. “But she will not be just a child, whether she hungers for power or not. She will wake the Ancients.”