The night passed quietly, and Ayesha was grateful Alaric hadn't come to disturb her. Not that he could have—she had spent the night at Lyra's bedchamber with Lyra curled up beside her.
"Mother, why didn't you wake me up when you came to bed last night?" Lyra mumbled sleepily, her lips pouting as she tried to braid her own hair while Ayesha fastened her dress for the morning.
Ayesha's lips curved into a tender smile. "You were sleeping so soundly, you didn't even notice I was hugging you."
"I got tired of waiting," Lyra said, fiddling with her fingers. "Leila told me you'd come as soon as you finished talking with the lady… but I fell asleep."
Ayesha's hands slowed. Her heart gave a small twist—she knew what was coming next.
"Is it true she's my aunt? The sister of my mother?" Lyra's voice was soft, almost hesitant, but her wide eyes searched Ayesha's face for the truth.
