That night, Rael couldn't sleep.
His nanny found Caelen in the throne room, reviewing petitions that had been submitted for tomorrow's court session. "Your Majesty, forgive the intrusion. But the young prince is restless. I've tried everything, but he keeps asking for..."
She trailed off. Uncomfortable.
Caelen knew what she couldn't say. Keeps asking for his mother.
He set down the petition. "I'll see to him."
Rael's chambers were in the eastern wing, decorated with all the things a five-year-old prince should have. Toys carved from fine wood. Books with illustrated pages. A bed large enough for three children, draped in silk the color of flames.
The boy sat in the middle of that enormous bed, knees drawn to his chest, snow white curls falling into golden eyes that were far too much like Eris's for Caelen's comfort.
"Can't sleep?" Caelen asked, settling onto the bed's edge.
Rael shook his head.
"Want to play for a bit?"
That earned a nod.
