Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

King hadn't caught the whisper that escaped Isaac's lips, mistaking Brielle's frozen stance for a simple case of pins and needles. He was all set to relieve her of Isaac's weight when she instinctively pulled back, her hands trembling with excitement. "Did you hear that just now?"

"Hear what?" King, puzzled, drew her into an embrace. "Holding the little guy must be tiring you out. Let me take him. You've been on your feet all night."

"King, Isaac just called me 'mommy'," Brielle's voice was a mix of shock and awe. "He really did, I heard him."

A flicker of surprise crossed King's face, followed quickly by understanding. "He's known you're his mommy for a while now. Caught bits of my conversations with Joseph," King reassured her.

Brielle was even more taken aback. Why hadn't she been informed?

Realizing he had indeed forgotten to share this with Brielle, King felt a twinge of guilt. "I forgot to mention it. You're not mad, are you?"

Brielle's heart was practically melting. If Isaac had known all along and never once shied away from her approach, then just as King had said, he had accepted her in his heart.

Her heart felt tender and sore with emotion, grateful she had heeded Max's advice not to rush the recognition that night, which might have scared him.

Over the past week, as they cared for Noir together, their bond had deepened, and Isaac had grown more attached and accepting of her, eventually calling her "mommy" possibly without even realizing it himself.

Brielle gently patted Isaac's back, her movements awkward, not yet knowing the best way to hold a child, her heart aching with bittersweet feelings. She reflected on how King had raised Isaac on his own, under the impression that she had abandoned their child. The hardships he must have faced, she could only imagine.

Tears welled up in Brielle's eyes as King, sensing her emotional turmoil, looked down at her. "What's wrong? Noir's baby was born without a hitch, why the tears?"novelbin

"King, you've done so well raising our little cricket," Brielle said, her voice thick with emotion.

King stiffened, a wave of awkwardness washing over him as he averted his gaze. He had always feared how Brielle would react upon learning Isaac was alive, considering she had wanted to abandon the child. Maybe, in her eyes, the child was a stain, a shame.

But now, holding their child and

sincerely thanking him, King felt a

surge of pain and an urge to cry. Remembering the past made his

heart ache, yet the present felt set

precious, a stark contrast to what could have been without their misunderstandings. But as he held Brielle and Isaac close, he felt

content, reminding himself not to be

too greedy.

He wanted to say something to Brielle but ended up just embracing her and Isaac tighter. Brielle, standing on her tiptoes, planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Let's put Isaac back in his room."

Together, they went upstairs to Isaac's room. Brielle intended to kiss Isaac goodnight, but King, seemingly impatient, scooped her into his arms. With a playful scold, Brielle tapped his shoulder. "You really are "

No sooner had they entered their bedroom than King captured her lips, his hands deftly removing her clothes. Brielle, caught in the moment, paused only when she saw him fetching another outfit from the closet. A mix of annoyance and

amusement filled her as King looked

at her eagerly. "Brielle, may I?"

It was hard to say no. Slipping into the white outfit complete with a faux fox tail, Brielle couldn't help but wonder where King found such things. Embarrassing, yet endearing.

King, breathless at the sight of her

on the bed, felt his heart stop. Her slender waist, fair skin, long hair, and flushed cheeks made her seem like a creature of myth. He pulled her close, but Brielle stopped his kiss with her hand, making him kiss her palm instead.

"We need to agree on something. Three hours max, or next time I won't wear it," Brielle set her terms, her eyes locking with his.

King, barely holding himself together, nodded in agreement. "Little Canary, whatever you say, my love. Please, don't torture me anymore."