Nia lay back in her bed, exhausted yet smiling, a small babe in her arms. Esben sat next to her, stroking her damp hair away from her face. "Have you thought of a name for him, my love?"
"Kalmar," said Nia. "Kalmar Wingfeather."
"An excellent choice," beamed Bonnifer Squoon. "He is a handsome little thing. Takes after his mother's side of the family, I fancy."
"He looks just like his old Podo!" thundered the former pirate. Podo gave Esben a hearty slap on the back that sent him reeling in his chair. "He'll grow up to be a fine, handsome lad. Congratulations."
The door to the room slowly swung open. Artham's dark hair appeared around it, then the rest of his body. Janner, who was just learning to walk, clung tightly to his hand.
"I thought the Throne Warden should meet his brother," said Artham.
"Of course he should!" Nia sat up a bit straighter in bed, making room for her oldest son. Artham lifted Janner up beside her.
The one-year-old stared at the baby in wonder. "Mama?"
"That's your new little brother, Janner. Say hello to Kalmar."
"Ka'mar. He 'leepin'?"
"He's resting, dear. He just got here."
Kalmar chose that moment to open his mouth and give a loud, angry squall. Podo gave a hearty laugh. "He sounds just like his Podo, too!"
"Shh," soothed Nia, stroking Kalmar's downy head. "It's alright. I'll bet you're hungry."
"He kying," whispered Janner, wiggling closer. He put his chubby hand on Kalmar's cheek. "Don' ky, Ka'mar."
Surprisingly, Kalmar's wails stopped. For the first time, he opened his eyes to reveal a brilliant blue. Janner smiled, gazing back with his brown ones.
Artham watched the scene, amusement and love written on his face. "He's acting like a Throne Warden already."
"Tone 'Awden!"