That morning, the dining hall was filled with the soft, warm clatter of breakfast.
Princess Liora and Prince Cassian had completely abandoned the guest wing dining quarters, choosing instead to crowd around the table with their cousin Lucius, Alaric, and Julian.
The three children were huddled close, giggling over a plate of sweet, honey-drizzled waffles, while Julian poured tea for Alaric.
The domestic peace was very peaceful, but it was soon abruptly punctured when the heavy oak doors swung open, and Emperor Aurelian strolled in.
He didn't bring his usual trail of flower-bearing guards, but his presence alone was enough to make the room instinctively stiffen.
He pulled out a heavy wooden chair and sat directly at the table with them. Even his own children immediately quieted down, their small shoulders tensing up as they tried not to look visibly uncomfortable around their father.
