Evaline:
A group of servants stood there, their heads bowed respectfully. They straightened when we approached, offering warm greetings not just to the brothers but to me.
But it was the old woman at the center who made my breath hitch.
She must have been in her late fifties, maybe early sixties. Her back was straight despite her age, her silver-threaded hair tied neatly in a bun. Her eyes were kind, twinkling, and endlessly warm... and they settled on me with a familiarity I couldn't place at first.
River stepped closer and I felt his hand coming to rest lightly on my back. "Evaline," he said softly, "this is Madam Elira. Sera's mother. She was also my brothers' nanny when they were young - especially for Oscar and Draven."
My heart squeezed as the woman reached out, clasping my hands firmly in her own. Her palms were warm, steady, full of strength.
