[Lavinia's POV — Irethene Meadows—Continuation]
The air smelled of fresh grass and honey.
Papa and Regis were already arguing about who would set up the picnic tent correctly, both acting like generals preparing for battle. Nanny tried to intervene, waving a spoon like it was a royal decree, while Ravick pretended not to notice, busy feeding snacks to Marshi, who clearly had no intention of behaving.
Solena was relaxing on a tree branch.
Meanwhile, I spread out the blanket under a shady oak tree, glancing at Osric as he carried the basket toward me. His sleeves were rolled up, sunlight tracing his arms—and just like that, my heart forgot how to behave.
"Need help, Lavi?" he asked with a grin.
I raised a brow. "Help or distraction?"
"Can't it be both?" he teased, sitting beside me.
Before I could reply, Papa's voice thundered across the meadow, "Osric! The basket better have food, not flirting!"
