The private solar was filled with the warm afternoon sun, and the scent of steeped herbal tea drifted through the air. The space was alive with easy conversation and the low clink of porcelain against silver.
Orin sat back on the opposite plush couch, his posture completely relaxed as he gestured with a half-empty cup. His wife, Calista, with her long wavy strawberry-blond hair and soft facial features, sat beside him, leaning forward with a quiet smile as she listened to a story Valex had just shared.
On their side of the low table, Valex held Odesse's hand in his lap, idly rubbing circles over the back of her palm. "I honestly do not find it hard to believe that Malrik would do that," Orin said, shaking his head as he looked at Valex. "His changed attitude when we were children hinted at it."
