Miranda
By the time I reached the square with the kids, half of Blackstone already knew the king and queen had brought their daughter.
Matthew stayed beside me while Jake and Becca pulled ahead, both trying to see around the adults gathered near the center of the square.
“Slow down,” I called.
Becca ignored me completely.
Jones appeared near the edge of the crowd before I could catch her. He intercepted both younger children with the ease of someone who had spent enough time around them to know exactly which one would bolt first.
“Your mother said slow down.”
Jake pointed toward Nevara. “Baby.”
“I gathered that.”
Becca stretched both arms toward him. “Up.”
Jones looked at me.
I smiled. “You heard her.”
He sighed and lifted her onto one hip.
Something warm curled through my che
