But they also looked satisfied, as if they'd accomplished something meaningful.
"We'll wait for you in the other room," Seraphine said, ushering her sisters toward the door. "Try not to drown while finishing your bath, Father."
"I'll do my best," Julian replied dryly.
As they fled out, Julian heard Lyanna's voice from the hallway:
"I still can't believe you talked us into that."
"You're welcome," Seraphine replied smugly. "See how much closer we all feel now? That's the power of shared embarrassing experiences."
"That's the power of your manipulation," Cassandra corrected, but there was no blame in her voice.
Their voices faded as they returned to their room, leaving Julian alone in the cooling bathwater.
He smiled to himself and began finishing his bath properly.
Whatever challenges lay ahead, at least he had his daughters.
**
