Kade noticed at once. His gaze lifted, quiet and intent.
Dakota turned toward the glittering city before he could read too much in her face. Through the bond, he still caught the faint flicker of uncertainty beneath her calm. His eyes darkened—not with anger, but with sharp awareness.
Before either of them could speak, Takoda sat bolt upright. "The cake is coming!"
Three servers arrived with near-military precision, trays balanced perfectly. The scent rolled across the table at once—rich butter, seared meat, rosemary, woodsmoke, warm bread. Dakota's stomach gave a quiet, traitorous growl.
Takoda heard it and burst into merciless laughter. "Royal Mother's hungry too!"
Dakota wanted to sink through the floor.
Kade slid a plate in front of her with calm authority. "Eat."
She narrowed her eyes. "You sound like you're commanding a soldier."
"You ignored your body too long today."
