Cassius watched as Theanore ate her food with gusto, the flower crown on her brow.
"We have to send Mari and Lizzy something too, Cassy! I can knit! We just need some yarn and needles," Theanore said between bites.
If the present had come from just Marinus, like all the rest, Cassius would be stewing in his own rage right now.
But his friend, Eliza, had helped with it.
Why?
Why was Eliza suddenly supportive of Marinus and Theanore's friendship?
Cassius looked at how happy his little nymph was. She was kicking her feet below the table, and her eyes were twinkling.
Why couldn't he make her this happy?
"I'll get you what you need," Cassius said, and he earned a happy smile and his mother's approving glance. "But do I get a hug for it?"
And the approval was gone. A scowl marred Empress Orlena's face.
"Cassius Casimir von Eomis! How could you extort your own wife?" Empress Orlena scolded, genuinely outraged.
