Chapter 70
Rowena noticed the change in Peter almost immediately, some subtle shift in the way he'd grown quieter during family discussions these past few days, less quick to agree with her explanations, his eyes lingering thoughtfully on Callie during meals in a way that unsettled her more than she cared to admit.
She cornered him one evening in the small sitting room adjacent to his private quarters, settling onto the arm of his chair with practiced, familiar ease, the same casual intimacy she'd cultivated between them since childhood.
"You've seemed distracted lately," she said, keeping her tone light and affectionate, though her eyes studied him carefully for any reaction. "Everything alright?"
"Just tired," Peter said, the same automatic deflection he'd offered his father days ear
