"Now," Kaelus commanded, picking up his fork and pointing it at his untouched prime rib. "Let us eat. We have significant preparations to make. The Imperial Banquet commences tomorrow at sunset, and I intend to ensure my child is well-rested before she decimates the Capital's social hierarchy."
As the chaotic, terrifying dinner finally resumed, Seraphina sat comfortably on Kaelus's lap, happily stealing pieces of steak from his silver plate.
She looked across the table at Castor and Pollux, who were still pale, picking at their food with trembling hands, terrified to make eye contact with her or her father.
'Well,' Seraphina thought, munching on a piece of perfectly seared beef. 'That was exhausting. But the hedgehog is back online, the boys have learned their place, and I secured a lifetime supply of pastries. A highly successful operational pivot.'
