Lucianne thanked a smiling Christian when she took her daughter from him and started speaking animatedly in a hushed tone to her little girl. After mind-linking her husband with her large orbs, Xandar glanced at Greg in concern before giving into his little freesia. Lucianne smiled and pecked a grateful kiss on his cheek before approaching Greg with Reida in her arms. Stella stayed with Xandar and Christian, who watched the queen take hasty steps towards the other duke.

Ivory and Desmond stopped looking around; Hailey stopped talking; and Alissa’s gum-chewing came to an awkward pause, but no one was as shocked as Greg was.

When Lucianne was right in...