A faint, almost uncharacteristic smile tugged at his lips. “It’s… heartening, Madam. It would be nice to see you and Sir Damien share a morning like this again.”
Dahlia’s lips curved into a soft laugh. “Then it’s about time we change that.”
She glanced toward the staircase, her eyes almost misty. “I’ve been away so much, searching for Malia… but now that I’ve found her children, I’ve somehow found her too.”
Her gaze returned to Alfred, steady and warm. “I want to make the most of the time I have with my family—especially with my son.”
She paused, a flicker of emotion in her voice. “You’ve watched him grow, seen his ups and downs…”
She glanced at Alfred, her eyes softening. “…and by now, you know that once he sets his mind on something—or someone—he will not stop until he succeeds.” He
