Elysia nudged the door open with her foot and stepped into the guest room once again, Kaelith still nestled securely in her arms.
The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Kaelith let out a proud little hum and flopped her head against Elysia's chest, utterly satisfied.
"You really think you won, don't you?" Elysia murmured, kissing the soft silver-and-red curls atop her daughter's head.
"Manipulated your way into being held the entire time. You're going to be a nightmare in strategy meetings one day."
Kaelith made a contented, babbling sound and drooled on Elysia's collarbone.
Elysia smiled despite herself and walked toward the divan near the windows.
The light here was soft and cool, filtered through frost-patterned glass and sheer indigo curtains. The kind of morning light that made everything look a little more serene.
