The Tea Room was located in the central courtyard, a semi-open pavilion with heated stone floors and sweeping views of the koi pond.
The morning sun filtered through the intricate lattice screens, casting geometric shadows on the low, polished table laden with Syris's baked goods.
Oh, everyone was here.
Zarek sat at the head of the table, sipping tea from a delicate cup that looked comically small in his massive, clawed hand. Torian was sprawled on a pile of cushions, tossing grapes into his mouth. Syris was pouring tea for Mara and the other females, who looked out of place on the wooden chair.
Tanith, who had been dozing, suddenly let out a high-pitched, demanding wail.
"Wah!"
"She knows," Mara chuckled, rocking the baby. "Her nose is sharper than a wolf's."
Roxy stepped into the pavilion. She was still wearing the tiger-striped dress, her hair loose and damp from the bath.
"Give her to me," Roxy smiled, reaching out.
