On Wednesday at moonset, Emma's father sent a convoy of cars and security officers to pick Brooklyn up from the skyport. As the High Fang Regent's daughter-in-law, she traveled with tight security wherever she went.
Emma and Elara stood outside the house, eyes fixed on the gate. Brooklyn had only been gone a few weeks, yet it felt much longer.
At 4:30 p.m., a line of vehicles rolled into the driveway.
"Brooklyn!" Emma shouted.
"There she is!" Elara cried.
The moment Brooklyn stepped out, she hurried toward them. The three ladies crashed into each other and hugged tightly.
Brooklyn pulled back first. Grinning, she dropped to one knee and rested her ear against Emma's stomach.
Emma laughed and tapped the top of her head.
"Get away from her."
Brooklyn rubbed her head dramatically.
"How's he doing?"
"She's doing fine."
Brooklyn pointed at her stomach. "It's a he, Emma."
Emma folded her arms. "No, Brooklyn. It's her."
The two stared at each other before breaking into smiles.
