Chapter 167

Maeve’s POV

I settled Ardenmore comfortably in my arms, marveling at the soft warmth of his sleeping body. His tiny fingers curled around mine, and a gentle smile lifted my lips as I studied his peaceful face. Holding him close, I felt a surge of joy so powerful I could hardly contain it. Carefully, I rose and carried him to the polished wooden cradle at the foot of the canopy bed, easing him down onto its satin-lined mattress.

He stirred only slightly, blinking up at me with wide, trusting eyes before letting out a sleepy yawn and snuggling into the soft blankets. I stood back to admire him—his fine dark hair, his perfect button nose—and my thoughts drifted to the dreams that had haunted me these past seven nights. Even with the war behind us, so much still felt uncertain. In particular, Aurelisse’s crystal ball and her warning that my choices w