The Harleys' Dining Room
The smell of grilled spices filled the air, mixed with fresh bread and roasted vegetables. It reminded Eliora of the bakery days… before everything changed.
Justin walked in from the kitchen carrying a tray.
"Sit, sit," he said, waving Eliora down when he saw her about to stand. "You're a guest here now."
Eliora blinked. "I'm not a guest. This is my parents' house."
Justin only smiled as he set the tray down. "Which makes you even more important."
He began serving her plate himself.
"Papa, you don't have to do this."
"I want to," he replied, placing food on her plate. "Allow me."
She sighed softly but let him. There was something comforting about it, being served by her father instead of palace servants bowing every two seconds.
Maya smiled, and shook her head, watching the exchange.
When everyone got their food, they settled.
For a while, the only sound in the room was cutlery against plates.
It almost felt normal until Maya cleared her throat.
