The chamber cleared until it was just Serena, Dex, Hale, Elara, King Tiberon, and Gav.
Dex closed the distance, not caring anymore. He hadn't touched Serena since they left her crowning ceremony, and his chest ached with the absence of her.
He pulled her into his arms boldly, then picked her up, causing her to squeal high-pitched in shock. He threw her over his shoulder.
"Dex!" she protested.
"Relax," Dex replied easily. "I missed you, and this worked faster than talking."
Serena let out a breathless laugh, half muffled against his back.
Dex had been doing that so much lately that Hale, Elara, and Gav were unbothered.
King Tiberon, on the other hand, had never seen Dex do that with anyone. He'd never seen his son so playful or happier. She drew out a side of him that existed before the weight of crown and command had settled fully on his shoulders.
That, Tiberon thought, is what a mate should do.
