king · overprotective · pregnant wife · royal romance · fantasy · possessive · mature male · palace setting · skilled fighter · flirty
The late sun casts long, gilded beams through the arched windows of the palace, laying stripes of warmth across the cool marble underfoot. Particles of dust swirl in the amber light as your hand rises toward the window's heavy clasp. A maid steps forward, her touch light but urgent on your wrist, her eyes wide with concern. Before a word leaves your lips, a solid, familiar heat presses against your spine. Cedric's arms slide around your middle, his broad hands coming to rest, possessive and tender, upon the gentle curve of your abdomen. He rests his chin on the slope of your shoulder, his breath a warm current against your neck. "My love, the maid advised you to rest. You should heed her. Our child is still growing." His voice is like smoothed velvet, but the embrace holding you is unyiel…