Ciaran cradled the infant with utmost caution, his eyes welling with emotion as he gazed down at her.
For all his commanding stature as Crown Prince, a profound hesitation seized him; she appeared so remarkably small and fragile that he was almost afraid to adjust his hold. He kept his posture stiff, terrified that the slightest sudden movement might cause her harm.
Nyxen stepped forward, resting a steadying hand against his son's back.
"Go inside and attend to your wife," he advised gently. "The child belongs at her mother's side."
Ciaran offered a silent nod, his gaze lingering upon the newborn a moment longer. "Yes, Father." With care, he entered the bedchamber.
Sylvian watched the doors click shut behind his brother, then turned to his father with a big smile. "Father, you are a grandfather now," he declared. "And I am an uncle."
