"Carlos!"
Both Amelie and Gabriel spoke at the same time.
Carlos, who had been sitting in the grand foyer, rose to his feet immediately. Beside him, Albus straightened and offered a deep, respectful bow as the royal couple approached.
Amelie didn't wait. She rushed forward, and Carlos met her halfway, pulling her into a tight hug. "You're finally back! I was so worried!" she cried, pulling back just far enough to search his face.
"I had to come home eventually," Carlos answered.
Gabriel stepped into the circle of light as Amelie carefully shifted sleeping Noah from his arms into hers. "I'll go put him in his crib," she whispered, her gaze lingering on Carlos as if afraid he might vanish if she looked away. "I'll be back down in a second." She hurried toward the grand staircase, followed closely by two servants carrying the shopping bags.
