"I know."
Neither Arion nor Dean interrupted her this time.
Sylvia's mouth curved faintly, though it looked more tired than amused. "I know what Thomas is. I know what he needs. I know how dominant alphas work long term, especially military dominants under strain. I'm not stupid."
"No one said you were," Dean replied quietly.
"No, but everyone keeps looking at me like I accidentally adopted a natural disaster." Sylvia leaned back in her chair. "I'm aware of the situation. I'm aware this could become painful and ridiculous and biologically unsustainable in ways modern medicine still hasn't fully solved."
Arion watched her carefully now, the earlier teasing gone.
Sylvia looked toward the gray sky above the gardens. "But emotions exist without consent most of the time."
The words settled softly between them.
Dean's expression eased first.
Sylvia laughed once under her breath. "Honestly, if emotions required permission, half this palace would be significantly more functional."
