Hearing her speak about the deep connection she felt with her unborn children, made him just a little envious of her. She had found someone to love, someone that loved her in return, and someone that gave her an amazing gift of new life. She was moving ahead, turning the page on a new and exciting chapter of her life.

He, just like the rest of the kingdom, eagerly anticipated the arrival of the princess' kittens. He couldn't wait to hold his nieces and nephews in his arms and see their smiling faces and hear their bubbling laughter. He was excited to see who they would favor, their mother, or father? Or, would they be some sort of combination of them both? Or, would they resemble neither? Artemis and Kosuda bore a strong resemblance to one another, but Ajua looked like neither of their parents. Hers was a reflection of a distant relative on Athena's side, a princess born long ago. Regardless of what they looked like,or who they favored, Artemis knew that he would love them, not just because they were his tiny relatives, but also because he feared that they would be the closest thing to having children of his own.

He had been married for what felt like ages, yet was no closer to his wife than the day he took her as his bride. He wanted to step forward into his future, as Ajua had done. He longed to be able to hold someone that he loved and that returned his affection. He wanted to lie with her and hold her close to his heart. He wanted make her a mother and give her a family. He wanted...