[Silthara Palace — Malika's Private Residency — Royal Nursery — Later]
Levin walked through the marble corridors as quickly as his exhausted body allowed. His steps remained steady...yet there was the slightest limp beneath every stride; pain still lingered throughout his body.
He ignored it. Nothing...nothing mattered more than reaching the nursery. As he rounded the final corridor, Raevahn and Lady Arinaya immediately straightened and both bowed deeply.
"We greet the Malika."
Levin slowed, offering them a gentle smile, and his eyes softened. "It has been far too long...Lady Arinaya...Captain."
Both returned the smile.
Lady Arinaya stepped aside from the nursery doors. "The little ones have been waiting for their father, My Malika."
Levin's heartbeat quickened; he glanced toward the carved cedar doors. "...Have they already—"
He stopped, and Lady Arinaya's smile widened knowingly. "They are waiting."
