Call it intuition that you might need some of this before we all get our copy of MS. Don't get sugar shock from the cotton candy fluff.
Eleven months later. . . .
Karigan finished her letter with a slight flourish and a more than noticeable grimace as she took stock of the last rays of sunshine filtering into the newly refurbished chamber. Flake dozed on her back, all four paws sticking up in the air.
A quiet cooing emitted from the cradle at her feet, causing a tender smile to grace her features as she bent to allow tiny fingers to grasp at her hand. The bright eyed child hauled herself up with the assistance of her mother's hand, looking about blearily as she shook off the last vestiges of sleep. Letting loose a string of incomprehensive babble, the little princess grinned up at her mother and demanded imperiously, "Da-da-da-da-da!"
Flake snorted and rolled off her cushion, shaking herself vigorously after she stretched. Padding over to her small human, she plopped down on her haunches and wagged her tail.
Karigan ran her hand through the baby's tousled curls and bent over to kiss her daughter on the forehead, "Is it that time?'
Karin offered a toothless smile and patted her mother's cheeks enthusiastically.
Gathering up her daughter in a warm blanket, the queen hoisted her bundle on her hip and proceeded out the door. Flake trotted out after, following Karigan's training skirts. Willis fell into step behind her, amusing the princess by contorting his features and sticking out his tongue. Karin squealed and reached out beseechingly to the Weapon. Both child and Weapon looked at the Queen with hopeful expectation.
Karigan gave a wry grin and silently passed Karin over, before re-gathering her gown and continuing down the stairs.
They passed multitudes of servants and courtiers on their way to the throne room, each individual's expression softening to a degree when they saw the good natured little princess.
The crowds of conversing courtiers in the large room parted and bowed as the queen entered. Karigan retrieved Karin from a reluctant Willis and quietly strode up to her waiting husband, nodding politely to her acquaintances. As it was late in the afternoon, many had already departed court and only a few lingered to conduct matters of business. Zachary had been leaning back in his chair almost tiredly but visibly brightened when he saw his two girls enter the room.
The queen deftly caught Karin before the child made a nose dive onto the marble floor, so intent was she to reach her father. With a soft kiss on the cheek for her husband, she handed over her squirming bundle with amusement and took her seat next to him.
Zachary listened attentively to the infant babble, nodding seriously to the little girl's assessment of his shiny doublet buttons. He looked over at Karigan every so often with a twinkle in his almond eyes.
Karigan just smiled in return and leaned on the arm chair, fingers scratching behind Flake's ears, more than content to just enjoy the quiet moment.
Not done yet but not so pressured to get it DONE done before MS comes out. I'll update with a few more small chapters to tie off loose ends and re-install the silliness I started with.