"No, my Moon Princess." Maelis let out a short laugh and waved the idea away. "We're not even in the same age bracket. Besides, I'm forty-six, and he's only twenty-four."
She looked even prettier when she smiled.
A teasing grin tugged at Maelis's lips. "Technically, I was twenty-two when he was born. If Lincoln and I hadn't waited before having pups, my pup would've been older than him." She shook her head with a laugh. "So falling in love with him would be abuse."
Elara burst into giggles.
Maelis chuckled. "Just because my eyes wander doesn't mean I'm in love with everyone I look at."
"You're right," Elara said with a nod.
"But..." Maelis's smile softened. "I do love you guys."
Elara held her gaze. There was no hesitation in her eyes, no strain in her voice. She believed her.
"I want to massage your feet," Maelis said. "Would you mind?"
"Go ahead."
