Breakfast in the Sixth was never ceremonial, which made Eirwen's timing more dangerous than a banquet toast. The household table held bread, boiled roots, clinic tea, and one pot of stew.
Ferra had declared the stew edible after tasting it like a metal sample. Loccy sat with both arms wrapped, her coat open so the child could keep a fist in the fabric without climbing her lap.
Rumi took the outer bench seat while Nari took the wall seat, and Juna claimed the end with the clearest view of both doors.
Eirwen arrived from the embassy house with flour on one cuff. She had helped the morning kitchen staff carry trays rather than waiting to be served as an envoy.
She set a bowl in front of Hajin and used the title once, clean and unornamented. Eirwen said, "Eat while it is hot, husband."
The whole table noticed the word at the same instant. Juna's ears went flat before forcing themselves level again.
