Before Julian could even reply with a teasing comment of his own, little Lucius looked up from the center of the table. His large blue eyes were bright with an eager excitement as he fixed his gaze tightly on his father.
"Join us, Daddy," Lucius said aloud. The words were small and careful, but the sheer confidence with which he spoke them without reaching for his slate made the entire room feel incredibly still for a beautiful, poignant second.
Alaric froze, his sharp eyes widening slightly as he looked down at his son. A profound, unyielding wave of pride and raw emotion softened the Duke's formidable expression.
He didn't say a word to contest it; instead, he pulled up a nearby wooden chair, sitting down right behind Lucius and placing a massive hand over the boy's small shoulder.
