She spotted me and froze. Then her face split into light. “Daddy!”
The word cut through everything. I crossed the distance in strides, and she ran—limping only slightly—straight into my arms.
I lifted her easily, tucking her against my chest, pressing my lips to her temple. For a moment, the world felt right.
“I brought something,” I murmured, brushing her curls back. “Your favorite.”
Her eyes widened when I pulled out the small wrapped pastries. Honeyed, flaky, the treat she always devoured first at the palace table. “Daddy, you remembered!”
“Of course.” I offered her one, but before she could bite, she looked past my shoulder.
“Elijah! Caleb! Come!”
The twins.
Two boys, dark-haired and solemn, stood at the edge of the courtyard. Their movements were slower, steadier—nothing like
