Elysia woke slowly, the world filtered through golden threads of sunlight slipping through the thick velvet curtains.
The warmth around her was heavy and solid, like being tucked into the heart of a star. And when she shifted just slightly—something stronger shifted with her.
Two arms, firm and possessive, tightened instantly around her waist, one sliding beneath her, the other curling around her belly.
"Where do you think you're going?" Malvoria's voice rumbled low against her ear, the sound half growl, half velvet. "It's rest time. No more moving."
Elysia blinked blearily, a lazy smile tugging at her lips. "I was going to breathe."
"Denied."
She giggled softly, trying and failing to wriggle free. Malvoria only pulled her closer, her nose brushing against the slope of Elysia's neck, her breath warm and slow.
"You're very clingy in the morning," Elysia whispered.
"I have a good reason. You're warm, soft, pregnant, and mine."
A kiss pressed to the nape of her neck.
