Ryley blinked.
The response was so unexpected that for a moment, he simply stared at Morgan.
Since when did the boy start looking at him like that?
The wariness in Morgan's eyes wasn't subtle. The child had practically planted himself in front of Mervyn as though shielding his mother from a threat.
Before Ryley could dwell on it further, Rosaline suddenly stepped closer and slipped her hand into his.
The tension lingering between the adults was palpable even to her, and instinctively, she moved to his side.
"Madre," she said softly, "why don't you come with us?"
Ryley lowered his gaze. "Hmm?"
"Papa said we're supposed to wait for him in the Main Chamber." Her brows furrowed slightly. "Not the Inner Garden."
For a brief moment, Ryley glanced toward Semaya.
The woman immediately understood the silent request.
