The rhythmic, deafening crash of sledgehammers pulverizing three-hundred-year-old imperial masonry was an unconventional alarm clock, but Kaia found she didn't mind it in the slightest.
She stood in front of the vanity in Aeron's original bedchamber—their temporary quarters while the Master Builder frantically constructed the new, unified "super-suite" next door.
"They are working fast," Kaia noted, securing a sapphire teardrop earring. "I think you genuinely terrified the architect, Aeron. He looked as though he expected you to start ripping the stones out with your teeth."
Aeron stood behind her, his reflection looming in the glass. He was already dressed for their first official morning court, wearing a tailored coat of deep, authoritative charcoal.
"I was prepared to," Aeron murmured, his bare hands settling heavily on her bare shoulders.
