The conversation between Lyra and Elena was taking longer than expected. When Julian came back with Lily, who was savoring her chocolate treat, they found themselves locked out.
"But my mama's in there..." Lily's innocent eyes blinked up at Julian, as though the royal gamma was being utterly unreasonable. "I wanna see my mama."
"Your mother's having an important talk with the queen right now." Julian tried explaining to the little one, expecting resistance, but Lily grasped the situation surprisingly quickly without making a fuss.
"Okay, but I can see mama after?" Lily received assurance that she could reunite with her mother once the queen finished.
"How about we check out the garden? Want to see something awesome?"
Lily cocked her head with curiosity. "What is it?"
"Come here." Julian scooped her up and headed toward the garden, leading her to the greenhouse.
