Dinner was… peaceful.
Suspiciously peaceful.
Unnaturally peaceful.
The kind of peaceful that made me wonder if everyone had collectively decided to behave like normal human beings for once.
No one pinched my cheeks.
No one squeezed my tail like it was a stress ball.
No one fought over who got to feed me like I was some kind of royal baby.
No passive-aggressive comments.
No dramatic sighs.
No eye-rolling competitions.
Just… food.
Warm, delicious, uninterrupted food.
We talked—normally.
We laughed—normally.
I even relaxed enough to forget, for a moment, that I was surrounded by walking disasters.
It was nice.
Too nice.
I should've known it wouldn't last.
Because the moment I finished and headed toward my room, ready to finally sleep—
Chaos returned.
With interest.
"I'll stay with My Lady tonight," Gawain declared confidently, already stepping forward like he had pre-booked the spot.
"No," Soren said immediately. "You won't."
"And why not?" Gawain snapped.
