Adeline’s POV
Vincent didn’t stay. He gave a short nod, said something about council minutes, and left before I could reply.
Myra clung to my coat sleeve. “He always leaves early,” she murmured.
I bent to her height. “That’s okay. You’re coming with us for a bit. Ready?”
She nodded and slipped her small hand into mine. Elijah and Caleb flanked her like tiny guards.
“We’ll protect her,” Caleb declared, puffing his chest.
“From what?” Elijah asked.
“From grumpy kings,” Caleb said.
This earned him a glare from me and a giggle from Myra. When we reached home, she stood in the doorway, eyes wide. “It smells like cookies,” she whispered.
“It’s just cinnamon,” I said. “Come in, sweetheart. Shoes off, sofa’s yours.”
She obeyed carefully, placing each shoe beside the rug like they might
