Everyone gathered around the table beneath the canopy of lights, before long. The night air hummed with quiet laughter and soft music in the background, courtesy of Ravić's radio. Making the world felt slower, gentler. Peaceful.
Lucien perched on Ravić's arm just because he can't stop wiggling, though his cheeks were flushed with excitement, dressed in his little blue button-up and jeans. His wide eyes fixed on the small cake glowing with a single candle.
"Ready, Lucien?" I asked, brushing a stray hair from his forehead.
He squealed, clapping his tiny hands as everyone began to sing. Our voices blending together, echoing through the garden like a soft chorus. Even the King, who rarely let warmth slip past his composure, joined in with a faint smile tugging at his lips.
When the song ended, Lucien looked up at me, uncertain for a moment, candlelight flickering in his red gaze, reminding me of his father.
"Go on, sweetheart," I whispered, leaning closer. "Let's do it together."
