---
"He's not just building a kingdom," she whispered to the sleeping baby. "He's building a legend."
Miryam twitched faintly, as if the soul within her had heard.
One day later…
A dusky hush still cloaked the Monarch of Mountain when Kai awoke from his sleep. Flecks of mica in the cavern roof glittered faintly, catching the glow of dawn creeping down the central skylight. He lay on his side, one arm curved about Luna's waist while her hair spilled like molten gold across his shoulder. Their vine-bracelets pulsed with a languid rhythm. Moonbound heartbeat answering heartbeat. For a rare instant he allowed himself to lie still, breathing the scent of warm rabbit and star-milk that lingered in the cool air.
A gentle mental brush tickled his thoughts.
<
