The following weeks settled into a rhythm that both Lilith and Atheline gradually came to appreciate.
Life within the palace no longer revolved around investigations, emergencies, or preparations for war. The attack at the High Elven Kingdom had reminded every nation how fragile peace could be, but it had also forced every ruler to continue doing what rulers had always done.
Govern.
Every morning before sunrise, the palace slowly came to life. Lilith and Atheline continued sharing breakfast together before beginning their respective duties. It had become a habit neither of them spoke about.
The white fox had also developed a habit. Every morning, she appeared precisely when breakfast was served.
Atheline narrowed his eyes at the little creature.
"...You're doing that deliberately."
The fox blinked innocently. Lilith took a sip of tea.
"It has learned the kitchen schedule."
"I noticed."
"It also knows you'll feed it."
"I noticed that too."
