The Queen Mother turned to Ayesha. "Would it be a problem for you if Lyra stayed with her aunt for a few days?"
Before Ayesha could answer, Lyra tightened her grip on her arm. "No! I don't want to leave my mother," she blurted, her little voice shaking. "If my aunt Aries wants to see me, she can visit—when my mother is with me!"
Ayesha blinked rapidly, caught off guard. Across the table, both the Queen Mother and Aries seemed just as startled by Lyra's outburst.
Gently prying Lyra's hands from her arm, Ayesha bent to her level and offered a calm smile.
"It's alright, Lyra. If you want to spend time with your Aunt Aries, you should. She's right—you two need to know each other after so many years apart."
