Daphne stirred on the bed when something warm brushed her forehead, the familiar weight of lips pressing softly against her skin.
"Ric…" she murmured sleepily, her eyes still closed.
"I'm here," came his voice, "I have to leave early. Arin called for council before sunrise."
She blinked up at him, still drowsy, her hand reaching for his. "You've hardly rested."
He smiled faintly, brushing a thumb along her cheek. "Says the woman who spent half the night reading until her candle died."
Her lips curved tiredly. "Touché."
He leaned down again, his thumb tracing her lips. "Sleep a little longer, princess. I'll be back before nightfall."
"You promise?"
"I never break a promise to you, my rose." he murmured.
He kissed her again, first her lips, then her bump and lingered there a moment before pulling away.
By the time Daphne woke again, the sun had climbed high.
