The moment settled—but not for long.
A presence approached before the knock even came.
Jasper's head turned slightly toward the door, his expression tightening just a fraction. Nicole felt it through the bond—that quiet alertness, the shift from husband to something far more guarded.
Then—
A firm knock.
Not hesitant like before.
Certain.
"Enter," Jasper said.
The door opened without delay.
Chatan stepped inside.
He didn't bow.
He never did after all he was the prince of the long last Edessia.
Tall, composed, and carrying an air of quiet defiance, he moved into the room as if he belonged there which, in many ways, he did. Being the son of Jasper's mentor afforded him liberties few others would ever dare take.
His sharp gaze flicked once toward Nicole, then briefly to the twins, before settling on Jasper.
"I heard," Chatan said plainly. "About the letter."
Jasper didn't seem surprised. "Of course you did."
