"Mama, why are you staring at those flowers?" Roman asked, pausing mid-jump on the fluffy mattress of Eilika's bed.
"Your father bought them," she replied, her voice carrying a trace of wonder. Turning away from the vanity, Eilika noticed the silk sheets had become a disheveled mess. "Baby, no more jumping. Come here. Tell me, what did you learn today?"
Roman immediately scrambled off the bed and rushed to her. He wrapped his tiny arms around Eilika, tilting his head back against her chest to look up at her.
"I studied my father's work, the things I have to look into when I grow up," he explained with a serious nod. Then, his eyes brightened with excitement. "Mama, when will I be admitted into the academy? I'm so eager to make new friends! And I want to ride Titan. I promised him I would see him soon."
"Soon, my love. We must wait for the sun to set a little more; I don't want you catching the afternoon heat," Eilika answered, smoothing his hair.
