All afternoon, the princes met many people in the palace garden. Each visitor brought them gifts—not as lavish as those from nobles, but enough to make the little princes giggle with delight.
Edda tugged on Matthew's coat, her eyes filled with innocence and curiosity. "Father, I want to hold my baby brothers too."
Matthew knelt to her level, gazing into her bright eyes. "I'm afraid you're still too small to carry them. How about stroking his hair instead?"
Orion blinked several times as Edda leaned in closer. A sweet, floral scent surrounded her, reminiscent of wildflower petals. It smelled almost like Ruby, which made Orion feel at ease. He stretched out his tiny hands, reaching for Edda's long hair.
"He's trying to pull my hair!" Edda frowned. "Bad brother!"
Orion's little eyelids drooped at her words. His lips trembled, and a soft sob escaped him.
