Queen Serafina's elegant hand froze mid-reach for Luna's hair, Lady Maris's aquatic eyes went wide, Queen Granite's stone face cracked into an expression of shock, Lady Isadora's composed features softened into something almost like wonder, and Aine's golden tails stopped swishing altogether.
They exchanged glances.
Oh my goodness. Mom. The boys had called her Mom. Not Teacher, not Alina, but Mom.
And judging from Alina's face, she looked completely used to it, not surprised at all. Which could only mean one thing. Lord Dante and Miss Alina were together.
Lady Isadora was the first to speak, her voice careful and measured. "Miss Alina, the boys... they call you Mom."
Alina looked up, still holding Sable in her arms. "Yes."
"You're... you and Lord Dante..." Lady Isadora trailed off.
Alina's cheeks turned pink, but she didn't deny it. "We're together. Yes."
The mothers stared.
Queen Serafina's hand dropped from Luna's hair as she asked, "Together? As in—"
