"He said that?" Florian whispered, eyes widening as though the words themselves carried a sting.
'Seriously?' His thoughts spun as he cradled Azure closer against his chest.
He hadn't even been looking for this conversation—he'd only set out to find Heinz, but instead bumped into Cashew, who had promptly shoved Azure into his arms and scurried off to look for Heinz himself.
And now here he was—pinned between Scarlett and Athena, both clinging to him like conspirators as they vented about their families.
"I told you he was scary!" Scarlett whispered harshly, her lips pressed into a frown.
"He meant well but… you know…" Her shoulders tensed, fingers fidgeting with her skirts. "He doesn't know what to do with two daughters, not when the first one's already the heir."
