"I can certainly help you with the dishes," Katelyn offered politely, already pushing back slightly from the table.
"Absolutely not. The princess is not allowed to lift a finger," Sage replied with mock severity, his smile gentle. He took her hand and lightly but decisively led her away from the dining room and into the cozy atmosphere of the living room. Turning on the television, he suggested, "Why don't you put on a movie or a show?" handing her the remote control.
As he returned to the kitchen to deal with the cleanup, Katelyn settled onto the sofa. She clicked the remote buttons absentmindedly, her attention far from the screen. She wasn't genuinely interested in watching anything; her mind was preoccupied.
