Dakota giggled softly, the sound light and warm. "Good morning. You didn't have to get up at all."
Kade said nothing, his attention already on the chairs. He pulled one out and waited as Dakota carefully lowered Cooper into it, making sure the boy was comfortable before releasing him.
Then he drew out a chair for Takoda, who scrambled up with a bright smile, and finally one for Dakota, who settled in the middle with both children on either side. Kade took his place on Cooper's other side.
The servants immediately began serving breakfast—plates of fresh fruit, warm bread, eggs, and porridge, along with pitchers of juice and pots of tea. The table was soon filled with the quiet clatter of dishes and the soft murmur of conversation.
Amelia Voss approached with two bowls of medicine—one for Cooper, one for Dakota—and placed them on the table.
"Take your medicine first," she instructed, her voice calm but firm. "Wait five minutes before eating."
