When Malvoria finally extricated herself from Kaelith's ticklish grip and managed to restore some semblance of dignity, she straightened her tunic, shook out her hair, and offered Elysia her hand.
"Lunch?" she suggested, voice teasing, eyes bright.
Elysia grinned, tucking Kaelith's wild curls back under her paper crown. "Definitely. Before this one starts demanding cake again and we're forced to call it a meal."
Kaelith, safely back in Elysia's arms, shot Malvoria a suspicious look, as if daring her to make another move. "Mama mine," she mumbled, cheeks flushed, clutching Elysia's arm like a conqueror defending her prize.
Malvoria raised both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, you win—for now. But Elysia's not a toy, Kaelith. You do have to share."
Kaelith's little brow furrowed. She didn't understand sharing—not when it came to her favorite person in the world.
