It was difficult to focus.

Hadrian’s head was entirely elsewhere. Kennet had invaded his senses, consuming his thoughts with a power that reached the level of obsession. He thought that having her would make the want hurt less, but that was turning out to be far from the case. Hadrian smiled to himself, riddling through paperwork, the strokes of his pen a little lazier than they would have been otherwise.

It was then that a welcome knock came at the door. Hadrian looked up, the smile perched on his lips spreading easily enough to a grin.

“Minnow,” He gestured for her to take a seat, “What a pleasant surprise.”

Hadrian nodded with a nostalgic smile. He fondly remembered the days of sailing out with new recruits getting their first taste of salt water. Even farther back he’d been one of them, instantly in love with the uncertain tempest of the sea. Now he was a land-dweller, but the love of the sea had never left him. He was glad that the dream could live on through Valeria.

The commander was stroking his beard, smiling and contemplative until Valeria’s next statement had him stop still. Did he hear her correctly? He looked at her, stunned for a moment before a smile like the dawn broke over his features.

“A grandfather, eh?” Hadrian stood and swept Valeria up into a hug. He supposed it was only a matter of time. With marriage, children were often soon to follow. Still, tears welled in his eyes at the thought. A grandfather.

He broke from her, smiling and holding her by the shoulders. "How long have you known?"

Hadrian’s eyes were drawn to the necklace, and his eyes filled with warmth. There wasn’t a day that went by when he didn’t think of his sister. Ora was with him in everything, just as he believed she was with Valeria. To think she’d be with his granddaughter as well brought him unbelievable joy. But at the name Logan, his face fell.

“Ora is lovely,” Hadrian said softly holding Valeria’s hands in his, “But…I have to ask you, minnow…perhaps another name might be better suited to a grandson.” It was a political calculation, not a personal one. Logan’s name carried too much baggage, too much confusion and resentment in the public square. He was the commander who quit. The man who had died in disgrace. That was not the kind of legacy a child should be burdened with—particularly if it could be helped.

“I have no doubt.” Hadrian squeezed her hand back before releasing it and moving to practical matters.

“Arrangements will have to be made for your absence. I trust you and Keir are all set up at your new estate?”

“Good, good.” For Ora was not far from his mind. She’d died giving birth to Valeria, and the thought that he’d have to go through all that loss again was too much to bear. He smiled, chuckling a little before asking:

“And how’s the husband feeling about fatherhood?” There was a playful twinkle in Hadrian’s eye.

Hadrian chuckled. Keir was a nice boy. Hadrian had grown fond of him, but there was no mistaking the fact he was terribly, terribly awkward. But he loved Valeria, and that was all that mattered.

“As he should,” Hadrian nodded, hugging Valeria again before holding her by the shoulders. “I have to get back to it, Minnow. But perhaps dinner sometime this week?”