Luna's body stiffened slightly. She didn't push him away, nor did she respond—she just listened quietly.
"He... he's been stubborn his whole life. Once he believes something, it's hard to change his mind."
Mael Valerius rested his chin on the top of her head, his voice muffled. "But he can't speak for me, and he can't speak for our babies, either. In my heart, you are you. You're the partner I've chosen for life. Those two dragon eggs—they're our flesh and blood, and they're my most precious treasures."
He tightened his arms around her, golden eyes more serious than ever, tinged with a hint of pleading, "Please don't push me away just because of his confusion, okay? I'll wait, as long as it takes for you to get over that hurdle in your heart. As long as you'll let me stay—with the kids, watching them hatch and grow, beside you—anything is fine."
