"And I certainly do." Poor Cullen will never enjoy parties, she suspects, but at least she can keep him by her side more often now that they're married. Their bond might not keep Orlesian hands away from his bottom, but a swat from a closed fan makes more of any impression.

"She's going to grow so fast," she says quietly, more hope than certainty after what happened last time. They have to believe it, though; there's no choice but to trust the Maker will be kinder to them with this child. "Soon she'll be riding everywhere on your shoulders."