Gideon stepped back into the kitchen, his jaw tightening as he found Micah already deep in conversation with Adeline. His Beta was surprisingly useful, helping her arrange the heavy ceramic plates and bowls across the dining table.
'I told you to give us some space. What exactly are you doing here?' Gideon's voice snapped through the mindlink.
Micah froze mid-motion, a soup bowl still in his hands. He turned slowly, his eyes meeting Gideon's.
'Sorry, but Adeline called me. She insisted I come and eat. I can leave if you want me to play the "busy beta" card.'
'No. Just stay and have dinner,' Gideon answered through the link, though his gaze remained fixed on how comfortable Adeline looked talking to Micah.
"Your Highness, come and have a seat," Adeline's voice broke through the silent mental tension. She pulled out a chair for him, looking at him expectantly. "Everything is ready, and it's best eaten while it's still hot."
