"Then how are you?" Kaiden asked his mother. "Have you eaten yet?"
Kaiden Grey waited for Vespera's answer with his tea cooling between his hands, comfortably surrounded by his family in the Circle's private sitting room.
"Have you eaten yet?" he repeated when Vespera glanced at something beyond the camera.
"I have food here."
"I know you do. But that wasn't the question."
She looked back at him.
"...I will eat it."
"While it's still food, please."
Vespera lifted a covered plate into view, proving its existence to her troublesome son. Beside him, Alexandra leaned forward to inspect it.
"Lady Vespera, could you take a proper break? Your food will get cold while you work."
"I am taking one now."
Kaiden smiled at her through the screen. "Then we'll let you enjoy your meal. Call me later?"
"Yes."
He waited until she reached for the cover before saying goodbye. Alice waved from the sofa's arm, and their mother's gaze lingered on her children until the call ended.
