In a defiant, but wounded and even perhaps frightened voice, she admitted, “I don’t like being away from you.”

Elena instantly melted (this not at all surprising) and smoothed the girl’s golden hair from crown to the back of her neck.

“I go on patrol all the time,” she reminded her.

“But that’s close,” Dora muttered.

Cassius was realizing, belatedly, even more than he already had, the mistake he made in sending Dora away without letting Elena see to her.

He again was about to say something, take responsibility for his decision, but as if she was attuned to him, Elena’s eyes darted his way and she gave a short shake of her head.

He remained quiet.

“If Cassius and I think it is safe, you and Aelia can come to Prince True’s wedding with us.”

“Really, Papa?” Aelia asked excitedly.

He nodded down to her.

“All right, Dora?” Elena prompted.

“All right,” Dora mumbled to the toes of her moccasins.

“Speak clearly,” Elena ordered gently. “And look at me when you do.”

Dora lifted her head. “All right, Ellie.”

Ellie.

Evidently, hostilities were at an end.

“Now, can I have a hug?” Elena requested.

Theodora wrapped her arms around Elena’s hips for a brief moment and let go.

But Cass noticed when she had a hold, she held hard and closed her eyes tight.

“Right, shall we meet the future king of Airen?” Elena suggested.

“I ’spose,” Dora muttered, glancing at him from under her lashes.

Elena, wisely, Cassius suspected, let that one go.

Upon introduction, he swept a low bow as Elena had done to Aelia, which he was pleased to see made her lips tick, though she tried to hide it.

Aelia boisterously greeted his men, further introductions were performed, and Theodora seemed unimpressed with Mac, but captivated by Ian.

And after Ophelia announced they were to take tea in her receiving room, with an audience of many silently watching, they moved to the stairs of the grand treehome, the girls walking before Elena and Cassius, Mac and Ian behind them, and he heard Mac say to Ian, “Well, you caught the eye of at least one Nadirii.”

“Shut up, mate,” Ian retorted.

Mac chuckled.

Cass looked to Elena.

He was again not surprised her mind was no longer on her ward.

Her gaze was riveted to her mother’s back.

Ophelia’s health had worsened visibly in the weeks since they left her. She was thin to the point of gaunt and her battle with pain was beginning to contort her attractive features.

He took Elena’s hand and murmured, “We’ll talk later, lamb.”

Her gaze drifted to him and she nodded up at him silently.

“Hear that Dora?” Aelia whispered loudly. “‘Lamb.’ I told you Papa was dreamy.”

“He would be dreamy, he’s moonshine,” Dora replied.

“And you were right!” Aelia cried. “He’s moonshine, and Princess Elena is sunshine!”

Cass looked down at Ellie.