After a while, their hot spring time ended. Her children were off in their own rooms, even Arach's jealousy had quieted into a peaceful sleep. Maddy carried Sephiran to his bed, laying him down gently. Vermi hopped up instantly, curling into a ball at his side. Looking at them, Maddy felt every pain and stress of the day vanish.
"I hope you grow strong… my little prince."
She paused. For a split second, the light hit Sephiran's face in a way that erased his childish softness. She saw a flash of the man he would become… a king.
"Right… you truly are a prince. You don't know how heavy your destiny will be yet. But Mother will always be here. I won't leave you."
She reached out, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw.
"I will always be there with you. To support you, to love you… and to make sure you truly feel that I am your mother. Because I do, Sephiran. I see you as my own blood, my own heart, and my own life."
