Elora looked out of the window with a loving smile as Darius lifted his oldest son on the small pony that was his. Time had gone by so fast. She remembered the day Zara had tried to take the boy's life as if it had happened yesterday. Darius had not wasted a moment and had turned the palace upside down to make sure any possible accomplice was weeded out. The harem guard had been replaced and security had been reinforced. She now had her own personal bodyguard shadowing her wherever she went, but she did not mind. The young eunuch knew how to make himself invisible and he was discrete. She liked him. And her children did too.

Elora turned away from the window and watch her second son play on the rug. He had been born two years after her first and currently she was carrying Darius' third child. She truly had been blessed.

Secretly she was hoping this one would be a girl. Her two boys gave her incredible joy, but she longed for a daughter to teach her how to make oils and fragrances.

On the floor, little Shahzad was quietly stacking blocks on top of each other, creating a very unstable tower. Elora shook her head amused when the structure collapsed not a moment later. The little boy however wasn't fazed in the slightest and patiently started all over again.

It was only a matter of time before the scene would repeat itself.

She walked over and picked the boy up from the floor. "Come. Little rascal," she said, "let us go see what your brother is up to."

Shahzad crowed happily as his mother carried him outside.

Contrary to what Elora had been told, no one had tried to take the children from her. They had a wet-nurse, and once they were a little older they would be educated in arms and riding as well as reading, writing and calculus, but that did not mean she was forbidden to see them.

She just cherished these moments when they were still young and innocent.

Elora walked outside into the courtyard, her guard Mehr, silently shadowing her at a distance.

Darius looked up when his wife approached. He frowned in worry. "Should you be carrying him in your condition? Where is his wet-nurse?"

"Busy with other tasks," Elora answered calmly, "and I have born two children. I know what I can and cannot carry." She handed the child to Darius and turned to the pony where her other son was proudly sitting on the animal as if he had done so all his life. She smiled at him lovingly. "Look at you, Ardashir," she said, "you are a natural. Just like your father."

The boy smiled widely at the sight of his mother. "Amma," he said and reached out to her.

Darius intercepted the child before he could fall off the pony. "Careful; now," he said, "and be good. You are too heavy for your mother to lift you. Besides, you are a big boy now. You can stand on your own two feet."

The boy wasn't deterred and patted his father's cheek. "Dada."

Darius sighed. "Troublemakers, both of you," he scolded lightly as he planted Ardashir on his feet. He shifted Shahzad in his arms and turned to his wife. "Was there something you needed?"

Elora shook her head. "We just came to greet you. And to invite you to the evening meal in my quarters tonight. It has been a while since we had the chance to dine together."

"I know," Darius nodded, "duties have kept me busy. We had to strengthen our coastline defenses. There's been unrest with the nomad tribes. And the drought in the Northwest makes things even more complicated." He ran a hand through his hair. "I am grateful for your father's assistance in that matter. He is redirecting one of the rivers in the South of Lavos, so it will flow at the edge of our border. It will only sustain the people for so long, but at least it is something. We need rain."

Elora placed a hand on his arm and pressed it gently. "The people of Tirèze are sturdy. They have faced drought before. They will overcome this one too."

Darius remained silent. He knew his wife meant well, but she hadn't lived here long enough to fully understand what a lack of water could do, especially in times of war. Tirèze was dependent of water from the mountain streams and the rains. Unfortunately, it hadn't rained in months and Balor had cut them off from the rivers at the border they shared. If it hadn't been for the alliance with Lavos Darius wasn't sure what he could have done. He had already, reluctantly, reached out to Boncini again for aid. They had access to the same mountains stream Balor had dammed. Perhaps a few of their soldiers could conquer their camp and break the obstruction.

Elora smiled at him sadly. It had not been a prosperous time for Darius to inherit the kingdom, but he was doing his best to be a good king. "Come to my quarters tonight," she said softly, "let me ease some of the tension on your shoulders."

Darius sighed and gave a nod. "Thank you."

Elora offered a small curtsy. "I will go make preparations."

Darius waved over a servant girl and handed her Shahzad. "Take him and his brother to their wet-nurse," he instructed without looking at her. His eyes were still on Elora. "You should take some rest," he told her, "don't exert yourself. It is a hot day."

Elora waved his concerns away. "I am perfectly fine. I have been cooped up inside all day. A walk will do me good. I promise to lie down when I feel fatigued."

Darius waved Torcan over. "Stay with her," he instructed.

"My king," Torcan bowed.

"There is no need to trouble Torcan," Elora said, "I have Mehr. He is perfectly capable of watching over me."

"He is staying with the boys," Darius said firmly, "I need someone to stay with you too. I trust Torcan to protect you with his life."

"Well, I hope that won't ever be necessary," Elora said seriously, "I'd rather not have someone die on my behalf."

A small smile appeared on Torcan's lips. "Then I will try my best to keep both of us alive, my queen."

"Make sure you do," Elora told him kindly, "my husband still has need of you." She winked at him and smiled.

Torcan allowed himself a smile too and bowed at her. "So I keep telling him, my queen."

Darius raised an eyebrow. "If you two are done conspiring then remove yourselves from the courtyard." He turned to Torcan. "Make sure she stays out of the heat."

Torcan gave a bow. "My king."

Darius' eyes rested on him a moment before he nodded. He focused on Elora again. "I will see you tonight."

Elora smiled and nodded before walking back inside, this time with Torcan following her every step. He had become a treasured friend these past few years. "Have you heard from lady Vara yet?" she asked him. After all this time, the two still corresponded with each other. Whatever Torcan did not share with Darius, he shared with her. Homely things, daily life, but also concerns. Even though Elora had never met the woman, it was as if she knew her.

Torcan shook his head. "It's becoming more difficult for messengers to get through. They have to take the South roads into Tirèze, so it takes longer."

Elora nodded in understanding. "I am sure if something was amiss, Darius would have been informed through messenger bird. And there hasn't been a report from Salvire either with bad news."

Torcan nodded distracted.

"You worry for her," Elora noted, "she is dear to you, isn't she?"

Torcan looked away. "Such a life is not meant for me," he stated firmly.

Elora smiled sadly. "That doesn't mean there won't be feelings."

He remained silent.

Elora sighed. "I am sorry," she said softly.

Torcan shook his head. "I have accepted it long ago. Don't feel sad on my behalf. It won't change anything."

"I can't help it," Elora said, "I hate seeing you upset and being unable to do anything. What Balor did to you was horrible. It's unforgivable!"

Despite the situation, a small smile appeared on Torcan's lips. "That may be so, my queen, but I still have a good life and close friends. That is worth something too."

...

Vara didn't look up when a pair of arms gently wrapped around her shoulders. Her eyes remained focused on the pair in the garden where Lykander lovingly brushed away a lock of Chloe's hair while Chloe shyly placed a hand over her stomach.

"Don't despair, my lady," Eudemas said softly, "your time will come."

"Will it?" Vara asked bitterly, "it's been almost four years. Ariane has Lucius, Ophelia and Iolaus had their daughter, Darius' wife is already carrying his third child. When will it be my turn?" Even Ethan and Euniece had a little girl. And now Chloe was pregnant. It had taken the servant girl a long time, but finally last year she had committed to Lykander and now they were expecting their first child.

Eudemas looked at her sadly. "I do not know, but I am sure you will be blessed with a child of your own soon."

"What if he leaves me because I can't give him children?" Vara asked.

Eudemas shook her head. "Iason would never leave you, my lady. He loves you." She tightened her embrace.

"You are a good friend, Eudemas," Vara said, "you have always been there for me. Sometimes I feel like I'm burdening you too much. Wouldn't you rather build your own life? With someone you love?"

Eudemas smiled sadly. "Then where would I go? And who would keep an eye on you? I like working here. You have always been good to me."

Vara raised an eyebrow and looked at her amused. "And what about the young man from the tailor shop?"

Eudemas blushed bright red. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Of course you don't," Vara said amused, "perhaps I should send you there to order new tunics again. Perhaps then you will remember what I'm talking about."

"Ah Vara," Eudemas sighed, "why would he even notice me? Besides, I am needed here."

Vara shook her head. "Don't do yourself short, Eudemas. Any man would be proud to have you at his side. I would never want to stop you from pursuing your own happiness. And the village is not so far away. You can always come here."

Eudemas sighed again and bit her lip. "I don't wish to leave you upset. I know how much you long for a child. I want to be here for you when you need me."

"As you always have been," Vara replied, "but your being here won't change the situation. Not that I don't enjoy having you here, but you have your own life. I won't begrudge you your happiness, Eudemas. Please, for me, go find that man of yours already. Five tunics, dyed in blue and one in red. Same colors as before. And a new cloak for Iason. Take your time. I won't be expecting you back until the evening meal."

Eudemas giggled shyly and curtsied. "As my lady commands." She gave Vara another hug and walked out the door.

...

Ariane watched her son as he was seated at the table in the dining room. Today's lessons were on etiquettes as a banquet was being organized for all the lords from the provinces and their wives.

It had been a while since there had been a banquet and Ariane was looking forward to it, even if the event was a political one rather than a social matter.

Border defenses were to be discussed, along with reports and strategies. For the past few months, a small group had managed to infiltrate Balor, in the town of Fis, close to the border with Lavos. King Elon would send his son-in-law to Auros to share tactics and also lord Izem of Salvire in Tirèze would attend.

She wondered if Darius would come. Tirèze was facing its own problems with drought and unrest. Perhaps it would not be wise for him to leave at this particular time.

Ariane sighed. Time had gone by so fast. She remembered the day Loukios was born. Now he was already four. She had gotten used to her life in Zeir. Lady Eurydice had been a great help in that aspect. Patiently she had taken Ariane under her wing and taught her what was expected of her; as Cyrus' wife, whom to trust, how to respond to requests from her courtiers, whom to be wary of, but also how to instruct the servants, how to organize social gatherings, what she could and could not say in public. Slowly but surely she had grown more confident in her role. She knew Cyrus still did not love her, but he was considerate. He didn't seek her out often. Perhaps having had his heir was enough for him. She tried not to dwell on it. She wasn't one to complain.

Ariane hid a smile at the sight of the serious expression on her son's face while trying to keep his sleeves from falling in his plate. How she had detested etiquette lessons as a child, but she had attended them like the dutiful daughter she had been, without protest.

Footsteps drew near and Ariane looked up. Cyrus strode into the dining room and halted next to her. He looked at Loukios a moment with a tender look in his eyes before turning his attention to his wife. "I'll be gone for a few days to settle a dispute between some minor lords. I should be back on time before the banquet, but if I am delayed, welcome our guests in my name."

Ariane nodded. "Of course, my lord." Even after all this time, she felt uncomfortable calling him by name.

"How is he doing?" Cyrus asked, his eyes on their son again.

"He is doing well," Ariane answered softly, "a true prince of Zeir."

"Hmm," Cyrus said amused, "I'm not so sure about that. I remember when I had these lessons. My father had to drag me there. Vara was even worse. She followed every instruction she received with such exaggeration that it almost drove the teacher mad. And you couldn't even fault her. She did as she was told after all."

Ariane allowed a faint smile to appear on her lips. "I try to imagine you as a child."

Cyrus let out a dry chuckled. "Better not. You'll despair for our little Lucius to become like his father."

Ariane looked down shyly and bit her lip. "I would not mind," she said softly, but he had already turned away from her.

Cyrus had walked up to the table and placed a hand on Lucius' head. "Your mother says you are doing well in your lessons. I think you deserve a reward. You can ride out with me on my horse to the gate. How about that?"

Lucius smiled up at him. "Ride the big horse?"

"That's right," Cyrus nodded, "I have to leave for a few days, so you can see me off. Only to the gate. And then a servant will take you back home."

Lucius nodded fervently, only paying attention to the part where he could ride with his father. He knew his father loved him, but he was a busy man. It was rare for them to have time to spend together.

"Come then," Cyrus told the boy, "my escort is already waiting."

The boy didn't need to hear any more. Forgetting all about previously taught manners, he dashed from the room without paying attention to his teachers.

Cyrus chuckled. "A prince of Zeir indeed."