and full as it also awaited the birth of our child.
“You must tell me if you wish me to stop,” Branford said, reminding me as his thumb brushed my nipple. It was so sensitive, even the smallest of touches made me shiver. “I can see how much harder it is for you to move around, and you know if you do not spell something out to me, I am not going to notice it on my own.”
“I will,” I promised.
“Good.” Branford kissed the edge of my jaw and then up into my hair. I giggled as his rough cheek tickled the back of my neck, but eventually I had to push him away so we could dress. We were to visit Sawyer on this day and needed to leave before the morning hour grew too late. Branford himself had to go to choose a dozen warhorses for his new cavalry recruits, which meant that I had to accompany him since I was still never outside of his presence.
Both Branford and Michael had to assist me into the carriage when we were finally ready to leave. I could barely successfully climb the narrow steps when I was not heavy with child, and now it was nearly impossible. Once I was settled into my seat, and Branford was reassured I was comfortable enough for him to stop fussing over me, our accompaniment of guards surrounded the carriage, and we were off.
Though Edgar and Hadebrand had been strangely silent since the wretched tea was revealed by Nelle, Branford had never become complacent when it came to my protection. He was even more adamant as my belly grew. True to his word, I had barely been out of his sight since that day, and I could have counted on one hand the times I was not at his side. I had learned much about the kingdoms during that time, probably much more than Branford had planned on sharing with me.
Sir Leland had gone into hiding once he discovered that his heritage would only protect him so far. Branford and I made regular treks to Seacrest to discuss the relationship between Seacrest and Silverhelm with King Liam and to talk about the further protection Sir Rylan offered with his troops along our borders. Branford still hoped to catch sight of Sir Leland so he could execute his own justice over him.
I had to admit to myself that Sir Leland’s part in the plot against us was not as great as Janet’s or Branford’s cousins, but I would not turn away if Branford were to cut him down. After feeling that sense of satisfaction at seeing Lady Kimberly’s head displayed on the castle wall, I had to admit I was a far more bloodthirsty queen than I ever would have imagined.
Branford worried my new attitude would change me for the worse, but I did not think so. I still made my rounds to the refugees who came to our castle gates, and I still cared for Branford as best I could as his child—his son, he still insisted—wore my body down.
After an hour, I found myself tired out just from sitting and was mildly annoyed with Branford for waking me early with his lustful desires when we had such a long day ahead of us. It was too warm in the carriage as well, and though I fanned myself continuously, there was to be no relief from the heat of near-summer.
“Why don’t you try to rest?” Branford said.
“Do you not think I would rest if I could?” I snapped at him before I realized the words were forming on my tongue. “You are the reason I am so tired in the first place!”
“Alexandra!” Branford stared at me in shock. “Whatever is wrong with you?”
I tensed, realizing what I had just said to my husband and king and the way in which I said it.
“Branford…I…” I let my voice trail off, unsure what I could even say. I half expected him to cuff me for such insolence though he had never done such a thing. I glanced up and saw him looking at me sideways, his expression one of both anger and confusion. Our child chose that moment to kick out at my already bruised ribs and cause me to wince.
Branford moved slightly closer to me and tentatively ran his hand over my stomach.
“Shh, little one,” he said quietly. “It is all right.”
One of the babe’s feet pushed again at my stomach, this time against Branford’s hand.