You’re glowing

Malvoria stepped out of the forge, the velvet-wrapped blade warm in her arms, as if it still held the echo of her magic, of her resolve. Her chest buzzed with pride—quiet but fierce.

The naming blade was perfect. Elegant. Balanced. A symbol not just of lineage, but of protection. Of everything she wanted their child to grow into.

She hadn't been this excited since… actually, no, she'd never been this excited. Not even when she'd seized her crown from her uncles' bickering hands, not when she'd won her first war campaign, and certainly not when the Council had first called her "Queen."

This was different.

She was about to walk the familiar path toward the teleportation circle, already half-lost in thoughts of Elysia's reaction, when she heard the telltale click of high-heeled boots and a dramatic sigh behind her.

"Gods above and below," said Veylira, "you're glowing."