Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Courage {Book 3}

❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀ 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 ❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀

Nia entered the guest bedchamber, a hesitant smile playing upon her lips. Kiyoshi sat at the bed's edge, bouncing their son Elias on their knee. "Good afternoon, my love," Kiyoshi greeted warmly, his eyes sparkling with amusement at their son's giggles.

Nia's smile faltered slightly. "My dearest husband," she began, approaching him with caution.

Kiyoshi lowered Elias to the soft mattress and looked at Nia, his brow furrowing in concern. "My love, what troubles you?" he asked, his gentle tone instantly putting her at ease.

Nia sighed, the hesitation still present in her voice. She took Kiyoshi's hands in her own, tracing soothing circles on his skin. "My love," she started hesitantly, "as you know, Serena still searches for a suitable husband."

Kiyoshi nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "An admirable pursuit, to be sure."

"Well," Nia continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "you also know Adanna has...given up on finding a husband."

Kiyoshi squeezed her hand reassuringly. "She is young, Nia. There is no need to rush these matters."

Nia took a deep breath. "There is a duke in Aerionia," she blurted out, bracing for his reaction. "He holds a contest to find a bride, and I was thinking..."

Kiyoshi's smile vanished, replaced by a firm frown. "No," he stated definitively before she could finish.

Nia's shoulders slumped in disappointment. "Kiyoshi!" she protested. "Serena is 300 years old in vampire years that is 30 in human terms. She deserves a chance at finding true companionship, someone she loves dearly."

"But to compete for a duke's affections, especially when she is princess? That is simply...unbecoming," Kiyoshi countered, concern lacing his voice.

Nia knew his resistance stemmed from a place of love and protectiveness. Deciding a different approach, she caressed his hands with a tenderness that always calmed him. "Please, my love," she pleaded softly, "Adanna needs a fresh start, and Serena, well...she deserves a chance at happiness. Could we not at least consider it?"

Kiyoshi closed his eyes, letting out a soft sigh. He savored the gentle stroke of her fingers on his skin, the feeling instantly calming his initial anxiety. He knew Nia would not suggest this unless she truly believed it beneficial for both women.

He looked at her and she cupped his face in her hands before kissing him on his cheek. "Please, my love, I will not force Serena into anything she does not want. I only wish for her happiness. And if this duke, this contest, could bring her even an ounce of joy...Would you not want that for your sister?"

Kiyoshi leaned down, his lips meeting Nia's in a passionate kiss. Nia deepened the kiss, her touch igniting a familiar spark within him. As he pulled away, a playful look in his eyes. "I assume that is a 'yes'?" Nia teased, a sly smile curving her lips.

Kiyoshi chuckled, his voice husky. "I shall only allow it if..." he began, trailing off as he kissed her forehead.

"If?" Nia prompted, a playful smile gracing her lips.

"If you promise," he continued, his voice low and seductive, "no more children."

Nia's smile faltered slightly. "You cannot be serious," she laughed, gently pushing him away. "One more would not hurt," she insisted, her hands moving to his chest.

Kiyoshi smirked. "I wish to have you all to myself for a while, my love. Three is enough, would you not agree?"

Nia laughed, the sound like music to Kiyoshi's ears. As if on cue, baby Elias started gurgling happily from the bed.

Kiyoshi scooped him up, bouncing him playfully. "It seems he does not want any more siblings either," he teased, eliciting a laugh from Nia. Nia nuzzled her cheek against Elias's soft head. "Perhaps just one more," she whispered mischievously into Kiyoshi's ear, the glint in her eyes making his heart skip a beat.

Kiyoshi grinned and pulled her into another passionate kiss. "No more children," he whispered against her lips, "just one more." Nia whispered back.

He sighed contentedly as they continued to hold each other close, lost in the moment. "But," he added with a chuckle, "I believe we have more important matters to discuss at the moment."