"The pregnancy has taken a toll on me," Liora said, her voice attempting to sound casual, but the lump in her throat betrayed her. She was exhausted and just needed a moment to breathe. "No worries," she added, forcing a smile that fought against her mother's piercing, skeptical gaze.
"Are you sure, honey?" Maeve's voice was laced with concern, her motherly instincts kicking in full force. Liora nodded, her lips forming a slight pout as she decided to lighten the mood. "Can you do my hair for me? I tried to style it, but it's a messy disaster right now." The change in subject brought a glimmer of a smile to Maeve's face, easing her worry as she took Liora's hand, guiding her toward the mirror. Here, she could help restore a sense of beauty and normalcy for her daughter.
"You know how much I adore keeping your hair neat," Maeve chuckled warmly, pressing a soft kiss on Liora's forehead. "After all, my little princess, styling your lovely hair is one of my favorite things." Liora's face lit up, excitement buzzing through her as she settled on the plush carpet at her mother's feet. The familiar notes of their favorite melody filled the air, a sweet harmony that had accompanied Liora since her very first days.
Just then, a gentle knock on the door broke their tender moment. Malzahar stepped in, expertly balancing a lavish tray filled with an array of mouthwatering dishes that made Liora's eyes widen with delight. She squealed and dashed toward him, her enthusiasm infectious. "Whoa there! Easy now!" he laughed, catching her in time and twirling her around playfully. Her laughter echoed in the cozy room, brightening it instantly. "How is my precious queen today?" he asked, gently setting her down onto the vibrant sofa, cushioned with colorful pillows that seemed to enhance the room's cheerful ambiance. He chuckled softly, ready to step away and let them have their mother-daughter time. "Guess this is my cue to make my exit."
Maeve stood and kissed the top of Liora's head tenderly. "Make sure you get some rest, okay? I don't want you to faint again." Liora nodded, casting a glance at Malzahar as she waited for the door to click shut. Once it did, she sprang to her feet and moved towards him, melting onto his lap. With a warm smile, she began dishing out their feast. "Are you sure you can manage all of that?" he teased, eyeing her overflowing portions. She didn't stop until she was satisfied, then turned to him, her face glowing.
Leaning in, she placed a soft kiss on his lips. "My dear king, this is for both of us. I can't eat it all on my own." He grinned, amused, as she took her first bite, her blissful moan echoing her delight. "This is amazing! Did you make this?" she asked. He gently wiped a bit of sauce from the corner of her mouth, his fingers brushing lightly against her thighs. They sat in a comfortable silence as she fed him, but the weight of the earlier moment hung between them. Clearing his throat, he met her gaze, a serious expression crossing his features. "What happened earlier?"
She swallowed hard, her breath hitching as she recounted the unsettling experience. "I was just waiting for you, then suddenly sensed something... or someone in the room. When I turned to look, a blurry figure rushed past me, and then I felt this sharp impact in my chest."
He pulled her closer, cradling her head against his chest. "I'm so sorry, Mama. I should have been here to protect you." She looked up at him with a naughty glint in her eyes. "You can make it up to me." She slowly stood up and pulled him up by the hand. "Ugh, teenagers and their hormones," Nyra mumbled with a groan, which earned an eye roll from Liora. "Why don't you take some rest, and let me get some time with papi?" Nyra chuckled and retreated. "I love the sound of that." He suddenly scooped her up in his arms, and she squealed. The night was still young