This time, his smile wasn't forced. It reached his eyes — soft, sincere.
Semaya dipped her head slightly, returning the warmth. "It's an honor, Sir."
Ryley's gaze rested on her a second longer than necessary — something thoughtful flickering there — before he lowered his eyes to the baby again.
He brushed a soft kiss over Ryder's small forehead, holding him close as the room fell into a brief, peaceful hush.
In contrast to the warmth filling Ryley's room, the Main Chamber felt heavy, the air dense and unmoving.
Clyde stood near the long table, posture straight but his expression openly puzzled.
"What's with the sudden rush?" he asked. "I understand Mervyn leaving early— he has business with Hyacinthia. But why must you depart tonight as well?"
Madam Beckett let out a quiet sigh, her hands clasped neatly as she chose her words.
