Mitchell stepped beside him and lowered his voice.
"Your Highness..." A helpless smile tugged at his lips. "You're not weak."
He met Ryley's reflection in the mirror.
"You used your Enigma power again last night because of the painting Mr. Arman Carter gave you. Of course you would look pale after that."
His smile grew warmer.
"But even then..." He straightened Ryley's collar with practiced hands. "You still look as gorgeous as ever."
A small laugh escaped Ryley.
"...Thanks, Mitch." He looked at himself one last time before turning away from the mirror. "I needed to hear that."
Silence settled between them as Ryley's gaze slowly fell to the gentle swell of his lower abdomen.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
He rested a hand over it, caressing it softly as though the little life inside could feel every touch.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he whispered. "I know I've been rather reckless with my power these past few days."
His voice softened even more.
