Alvin and Xavier descended the grand staircase together-Xavier's hand steadying Alvin's waist, though Alvin stubbornly insisted he didn't need help.
"You should still be resting," Xavier muttered.
Alvin gave him a side-eye. "If I rested any more, I'd grow moss."
Xavier chuckled. "You nearly fainted last week; I'm not taking chances."
They reached the base of the stairs and turned toward the dining hall, where the clinking of cups and the rustle of newspaper greeted them. Alex sat at the table in a comfortable sweater, reading something with the intensity of a general studying battle reports.
He looked up when they entered, smiling faintly. "Finally up. Morning, you two."
"Morning, Uncle," Alvin greeted politely, taking the seat beside Xavier.
"Morning, Dad," Xavier said, rubbing his sleepy eyes. "Where's Mom? And Daniel? And the others?"
