Emma was the first to move.
"Come on, hero," she said, reaching for Ben's hand. "Bedtime."
Ben groaned in protest. "But Uncle Alaric was just..."
"And Uncle Alaric will still be here tomorrow," Emma cut in with a smile that allowed no argument.
Ben sighed dramatically, then looked up at Alaric. "You promise?"
Alaric nodded once. "I promise."
That was enough. Ben beamed, waved at everyone like he was leaving a grand stage.
Elizabeth stepped closer to Daphne then. "Let me take him," she said, reaching for Nathaniel.
Daphne hesitated for half a second before handing her son over. Elizabeth cradled him with ease, rocking him instinctively.
Thomas appeared at her side, already shrugging off his coat. "We'll put him down," he said, then looked straight at Alaric. "You're staying the night."
It wasn't a question. He didn't wait for an answer either, like the decision had been made long before anyone entered the dining room.
He turned with Elizabeth and walked out.
