[Lavinia's POV — Outside the Chamber]
As I stepped out of the chamber, smoothing the skirts that shimmered like midnight, I saw him—Papa—walking toward me.
He paused mid-stride, eyes narrowing as if the mere sight of me had struck him speechless. Then, slowly, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Papa…" I whispered, my chest warming.
He stretched out his hand, steady and commanding as always. Without hesitation, I placed my gloved hand into his. His grip tightened, grounding, protective.
"Are you here to escort me?" I asked, tilting my head with a grin.
He leaned down, pressing a kiss to my forehead. His voice was low but filled with a weight that could silence armies.
"Of course. It is my daughter's first event—organized by her own hands. How could I allow you to walk alone into a den full of traitors?"
I smiled softly at his words… until I noticed the sudden shift. The overprotective Papa aura practically radiated from behind him, thicker than a storm cloud.
