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Roald of Conté
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Roald gently lifted his newborn daughter from the healer's arms. The baby stopped crying and yawned sleepily. A moment later she drifted off. Roald grinned and shifted his gaze to his wife.
Shinko's head drooped heavily on her pillow, but she was glowing with happiness. Roald passed the child to her mother, kissing her forehead as he did. The baby stirred, but did not wake.
"What should we call her?" Roald whispered, settling down at her side. Shinko looked uncertain. Roald put an arm around her and prompted her to speak.
"What is it?"
"My mother died protecting me from a pirate raid when I was only four. I'd like to name the baby after her."
"What was her name?"
"Lianokami."
"Lianokami," Roald parroted, letting the word slide over his tongue. It sounded Yamani, but most people would associate it with his grandmother, Lianne. The name would be seen as a diplomatic move. Roald looked down at his daughter. He hated the fact that she would grow up just as he and Kalasin had. She would be a political pawn.
Roald gently ran his thumb over the baby's cheek. "Little Lia," he said quietly, giving Shinko the smile he knew she wanted to see. "It's perfect."