The lanterns in Katherine's chamber cast a soft amber glow over the curtains.
Arin pushed open the door without knocking.
He always did these days.
The moment he stepped inside, a small body hurled toward him.
"Father!"
Arin caught the boy with ease, his eldest, the son of the former Empress.
"Shouldn't you be asleep?" Arin asked, though there was no real reprimand in his tone.
The boy shook his head firmly. "I waited for you."
A light laugh drifted across the room.
Katherine stood by the cradle, gently rocking their eight-month-old son while their daughter peeked shyly from behind her skirts.
"He refused to go to bed until he heard you were home," Katherine said softly.
Arin sighed, the faintest hint of amusement tugging at his mouth.
"And the little lady?" He asked, nodding toward their daughter.
"She follows her brother's rebellion," Katherine murmured.
Setting the boy down, Arin knelt briefly, brushing the girl's hair aside before kissing her forehead.
