Chapter 200

Chapter 200
Lina's POV

"I know what the physician said," he interrupted softly. "I would never harm you or our child. Trust me."

The whispered words that followed, spoken directly against my skin as he cradled our child, bypassed my rational mind entirely. "Lina, I'm going to miss you terribly. Both of you."

"I'll miss you too," I admitted before I could stop myself.

"Say my name," he requested quietly.

"Augustus," I whispered, and felt him smile before claiming my lips in a kiss that tasted of promises.

In the midst of this tenderness, my emotions overwhelmed me and I found myself biting down on his throat, hard enough to leave marks. Augustus's low chuckle vibrated against my mouth.

"At this rate, I'll be covered in your bite marks before I leave," he said with amusement. "It's probably for the best that I'll be away for two months."

He gathered me close, holding me as if he could shield me from uncertainties ahead.

"While I'm gone, you must be vigilant," he said carefully. "Stay within these chambers, avoid court politics entirely, and trust only Moros when he brings messages."

"Your Majesty, is there something specific you're not telling me?"

"No matter what happens, trust only Moros. Do you understand?"

"Will there be danger on this journey?"

His arms tightened protectively. "Even if something were to happen to me, I've made arrangements to ensure nothing will happen to you or our child."

The thought of him in danger, with Kaelan facing the same risks, created a knot of fear in my chest. "Your Majesty, you must promise me you'll be careful. The baby and I will be waiting for your safe return."

He pressed his forehead to mine, bitterness in his voice: "Whatever your reasons for wanting me to return safely, I'm grateful for them."

As dawn crept through windows, Augustus rose and began dressing. I watched him transform from the tender man who had held me back into the Dragon King.

He caught me watching. "Enjoying the view?"

Heat rose in my cheeks. "I was just thinking that you look more regal when properly dressed."

His smile was pleased and possessive as he leaned down to kiss me. "My queen should become accustomed to appreciating her king in all forms."

He withdrew a dragon-shaped amulet, its black and gold surface pulsing with inner light. "This is for you. If anyone threatens you while I'm gone, this symbol carries my full authority."

"Your Majesty, this is too valuable..."

"Don't hesitate to use it if necessary." His expression shifted playfully. "Since I've given you such a precious token, don't you think you should offer me something in return?"

Before I could suggest anything, he had moved to my clothes chest and pulled out a delicate pink silk undergarment, tucking it into his sleeve.

"Augustus!" I gasped. "You cannot take that! Give it back!"

He stepped out of reach, grinning wickedly. "This is exactly the sort of personal memento that will help me think of you."

"You're being completely inappropriate!"

"Then give me something else," he suggested reasonably.

Flustered, I untied the pale green silk sash from my robe - embroidered with white roses I had worked myself. "Here. This is something I made. Will this suffice?"

Augustus took the sash with reverence, examining the delicate embroidery with genuine appreciation. "It's beautiful. I'll treasure it."

He immediately wound it around his waist, securing it over his tunic where it would be visible. The sight of my handiwork displayed so prominently sent unexpected pride through me.

"Now about my undergarment..."

His grin returned. "I said you should give me something else. I never promised to return what I had already claimed."

"You're impossible!"

"Completely impossible," he agreed cheerfully, moving back toward the bed. "But you find it charming."

He knelt beside the bed and placed his hand gently over my belly, his demeanor shifting to tender seriousness.

"Little one," he said softly, "your father has to go away for a while, but I want you to know that I'll be thinking of you every day. You must be good for your mother and grow strong while I'm gone."

"When I return, you'll be so much bigger, and soon after that, I'll be able to hold you properly."

The baby shifted and kicked in response, and Augustus's face lit up with wonder. "Did you feel that? The little one knows I'm talking to them."

I nodded, throat tight with unnamed emotion. "They always respond to your voice."

"Because they know their father loves them," he said simply, pressing a final kiss to my belly before rising.

As he reached the door, I couldn't help calling out: "Augustus! My undergarment!"

He turned back with that insufferably smug expression. "I'll take excellent care of it, my queen. Consider it a promise that I'll return to you."

"Rest well, and don't overexert yourself while I'm gone."