Vivianne reached across the table to take his hand, her magic wrapping around him like a warm embrace. "I have missed you, my boy. These halls are brighter when you're here."
The irony of her words – given his nocturnal activities and dark dealings – might have made Jaegar laugh, but instead he simply squeezed her hand. "And I've missed being here, with both of you."
The morning continued peacefully, the three of them sharing tea and conversation as the sun climbed higher in the sky.
They spoke of simple things – palace gossip, Jacqueline's plans, the latest updates in the crown system.
In these quiet moments, surrounded by the two women, Jaegar felt warmth inside and decided to be content with what he had now.
The enchanted roses in the garden below released another wave of fragrance, and somewhere in the distance, palace bells chimed the morning hour.
For now, at least, he could be simply their Jaeger—grandson, brother, prince.
