Mabel leaned back in her high-backed chair as she dismissed the servant who had just finished pouring the fresh rose tea. The floral steam curled between them, filling the chamber with a sense of calm.
"Your father told me that you already found a second-chance mate," Mabel began, her voice laced with maternal curiosity. "Why haven't you brought her here so far? She should have been introduced to the family by now."
"Everyone was busy with Kate's wedding, so I truly didn't have the time for a formal introduction," Dominick replied as he reached for his teacup. He inhaled the delicate scent of the rose before taking a slow sip. "Also, Jeniva was a bit reluctant to come forward. She thought she might feel out of place in such a high-profile setting."
Mabel huffed softly, a sound that was both a dismissal of Jeniva's worries and a silent critique of Dominick's timing. "Nonsense. If she is your mate, the palace is her home by right."
