I put down Callestine, since the other kids were already raising their hands, some even bouncing slightly on their feet like that would magically make me pick them first.
"Woah. Just one by one please. I only got two hands." I laughed, holding both palms out like I was negotiating with a very small, very impatient crowd.
A few of them froze mid-reach.
One tried to grab my sleeve anyway.
Another just stared at me like I personally offended them by having a physical limitation.
I glanced up instinctively, expecting at least one adult to step in, to remind them of posture, discipline, all that rigid royal etiquette they'd been drilled into since birth.
But none came.
No scolding.
No sharp reminders.
Just quiet smiles.
A few exchanged knowing looks, like this...this exact chaos...was something they didn't want to interrupt.
And somehow…
That hit deeper than it should've.
