Draven.
The storm had broken, leaving the sky washed of its pale hue and the earth damp with its aftertaste.
And I sat at the head of the table with a straight posture, watching the servants move about with their usual silence and practised efficiency, setting down bread, eggs, and fruit.
The faint scent of tea mingled with the sharper aromas of butter and toasted bread.
Meredith sat at my side. She was quiet, her hands cupped around her teacup as though it were the only warmth she needed.
She hadn't spoken much yet, but I felt her presence more than I heard it.
Next to her, Xamira smeared jam across her bread until it dripped onto her fingers. She didn't notice as she was too caught up in the simple joy of eating.
Her humming filled the silence. The sound tugged at me, a thread I didn't allow anyone else to touch.
"Daddy," she piped suddenly, her voice full of light, "can we do horse riding today?"
