134

134
"I'm leaving," Mattia muttered, dragging a hand down his face as though willing his emotions into order.

"I'm heading to the … Kingdom," he added, catching Marcello off guard.

"You don’t have to"

"I want to," Mattia cut him off firmly. "I can’t stay here right now. Taking responsibility for the Kingdom will be distraction enough, and we need someone dependable to handle the task." His voice carried a steadiness Marcello rarely heard from him.

Marcello studied him carefully. "Do you think you’ll be alright?"

"I’ll manage," Mattia replied, though his tone carried an edge of weight. Then, after a beat, he admitted, "But before I leave, I need a favor from you."

Marcello’s brow furrowed. "What is it?"

Mattia drew a deep breath before voicing his request.

"Here, taste this. It’s delicious," Azzurra urged, holding a cupcake to Cesario’s lips. She’d already taken a bite, and when the toddler mimicked her, his entire face lit up.

“Dwilicious!” he exclaimed, clapping his little hands with pure delight.

Azzurra laughed warmly. "You want more?"

He nodded eagerly, and while she reached for another, she tugged off his tiny suit jacket, rolled his sleeves up to his elbows like Marcello often did, and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. With a gentle touch, she finger-combed his hair back. When she leaned back to admire him, her heart swelled. He looked so dashing, like a miniature gentleman one she knew would break hearts when he grew older.

“One mwore, pwease,” he said sweetly, his blue eyes wide and irresistible. She couldn’t help noticing again just how much he resembled Mattia.

“Of course, sweetheart.” She offered him another cupcake, and he cradled it in his chubby hands before devouring it happily.

The two of them had stolen away into the kitchen, escaping the bustle of preparations in the backyard. A kind server spotted them and, with a smile, brought a tray of sweets. She thanked him before he left them to their little indulgence.

"Zuzu," Cesario said around a mouthful of crumbs, "Dada is good Dada."

Her chest softened at his innocent declaration. She caressed his cheek tenderly. Perhaps King Silvano’s sudden warmth had something to do with discovering Rio was Mattia’s child. Anyone with eyes could see the resemblance.

"I know," she whispered, her voice filled with pride. "And my Rio is the best boy, polite, respectful, and kind."

"Yes, Rio is gwood boy," he announced proudly, pointing at himself. Her laughter bubbled as she kissed his cheek, making him giggle.

They were still nibbling on sweets and sharing quiet chatter about the festivities outside when two strong arms suddenly circled her waist. A chin came to rest on her shoulder. Her entire body tensed, ready to fight until a familiar scent curled into her senses.

“Mwarcello! Zuzu and Rio are hwiding here eating sweets. It’s dwilicious!” Cesario announced brightly, his big eyes locking on Marcello. Then his gaze dropped to Marcello’s arms around Azzurra’s waist, and the toddler instantly shoved them away. Climbing onto the counter, he pouted.

“My Zuzu,” Cesario declared possessively, narrowing his eyes at Marcello.

Marcello blinked in surprise while Azzurra smothered her laughter.

"Of course I’m your Zuzu," she cooed, gathering Cesario into her arms and kissing his cheek while Marcello stood there sulking behind a carefully blank face.

"I’ll wait until you grow up and fall in love," Marcello muttered under his breath to the boy. "Then I’ll take my revenge."

Cesario only hugged Azzurra tighter, his little arms locked around her neck. She chuckled at their ridiculous competition.

"Marcello is angwy," the boy mumbled.

Marcello sighed, his irritation dissolving under the child’s charm. "Come on. Let’s go greet everyone and finish the night."

With their fingers laced together, he led Azzurra back into the hall.

By the time the celebrations wound down, Azzurra was utterly drained. Cesario had fallen asleep against her shoulder, his weight a sweet ache in her arms. She carried him to their chambers, changed him into softer clothes, and tucked him beneath the covers. As she removed her jewelry and kicked off her heels, she sat beside him for a while, gently stroking his hair until her own eyes drifted shut.

Sometime in the night, she stirred awake. The room was dim and silent, Marcello still absent likely speaking with Zephriel. Careful not to disturb Rio’s slumber, she slipped from the bed, stretching out the stiffness in her back, and padded quietly into Marcello’s room. She closed the door softly behind her

Only to be spun around in an instant. A large hand filled her vision, and suddenly his mouth was on hers, hot and unyielding.

Her eyes flew open, shock jolting through her as his kiss consumed her. She barely managed to gasp, "Wait" before he captured her lips again, fiercer this time.

He was overwhelming raw power and desire wrapped around her. She felt small against him, her pulse racing as his tongue tangled with hers, dominating the kiss.

She tried to protest again, slipping trembling fingers between their mouths, but he growled low against her lips. "Don’t," he warned, amber eyes blazing with need.

"You have no idea how hard it’s been to hold back how much I wanted to take you, claim you. It was torture, Azzurra," he rasped, gripping the back of her neck and crushing his lips to hers once more.

His tongue teased the tip of hers, sending sparks down her spine. His other hand traced down her back, cupping her rear with a rough squeeze before delivering a sharp smack that tore a gasp from her lips. The sound only made him groan, deep and hungry, as the kiss consumed her whole.