Jude's POV
My cheeks burned hot when Timothy asked that question, and I ducked my head to conceal the shy smile tugging at my lips.
Sensing another presence, Harlow spun around and spotted me. "Mama!" She bounced excitedly and rushed toward me, her face lighting up. "Mama, are you okay? Did the queen get mad at you?" Her eyes searched mine with worry.
I quickly shook my head. "No, sweetheart. The queen wasn't angry with me at all," I assured her, stroking her soft hair.
"Then why did it take forever? And why couldn't I come in?" Harlow raised both arms, silently requesting to be lifted.
I crouched down and scooped her into my arms. "We were discussing grown-up matters that children shouldn't hear."
"But why?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Because it's adult talk."
"But why?"
I sighed internally. Harlow was going through that phase where she questioned absolutely everything, and I always tried to answer her patiently.
