Alexandra's smile was elegant and vicious. "For future alliances."
Adam stared. "He is two."
"Yes," Alexandra said. "I informed her that at present His Highness's strongest preference is for sweet honey buns, being carried, and throwing a wooden horse at anyone who takes the first two away."
Arik, now directly in front of Gabriel, looked up with both hands raised higher. "Papa, up."
Gabriel crouched, his whole presence shifting to meet him, and lifted him with practiced ease. Arik immediately wrapped his arms around Gabriel's neck and leaned in with the fierce certainty of a child claiming what was his.
Then Arik noticed the baby cluster.
He pulled back, golden eyes narrowing in open curiosity at Natalie first, then Noah.
"Baby," he declared, pointing at Natalie.
Natalie stared back from Rafael's arms, then made an indignant sound and grabbed for the pointing finger.
Arik looked at his own captured finger, deeply offended by this development.
