Kaiden glanced toward the door of Vespera's bedroom, still grinning over Yunohana's mortified expression after calling his mother 'Mother.'
Then his expression softened. "I should probably go get the girls. They'll want to see this for themselves."
Beside him, Yunohana lowered her eyes with a smile. There would be rather a lot to explain when they returned to the estate.
Vespera rose from the edge of her bed.
"I see."
Kaiden looked back at her.
His mother had folded her hands before her robe, her expression perfectly composed as she regarded the son who had woken her before dawn. She appeared ready to receive a report on the weather.
His eyes widened.
Oh.
"Well, you shouldn't keep them waiting-"
Before she could finish bidding him farewell, Kaiden stepped closer and slipped his fingers beneath her chin, tipping her face up toward his.
"Are you pouting, Mother?"
Vespera stared at him.
"I do not pout."
"Hmm..."
