Chapter Two Hundred and Sixty-Three – "Lap Throne"
Crow sat down on the edge of the hovering throne at the center of the observation deck, the golden-blue clouds drifting past the crystal windows. Before he could even speak, Rose was already moving.
"My turn!" she blurted, practically teleporting across the floor and landing softly in his lap like it was her rightful place.
Crow raised a brow, about to object—but the weight of her head against his chest and her tail swishing with visible delight made it hard to push her away.
Rose looked up at him, her expression innocent but clearly thrilled.
"Master… am I being good?"
Crow gave her a slow head pat, fingers moving through her hair. "You're behaving. For now."
From across the room, Lyravex narrowed her eyes. Her fingers twitched with restrained jealousy, wings folding tighter behind her back.
"One minute," she said sharply. "Then it's my turn."
Crow let out a sigh, already feeling the war about to reignite.
"Why is my life like this..." he muttered.
Rose just giggled softly in his arms, tail curling around his wrist.