(Isla)
By the time we reached the dining area, I was hungry enough to understand why Vaela had been complaining. Caius made sure there was enough food in front of me before taking his own seat. Lyrienne noticed, but thankfully she kept whatever she was thinking to herself. Orin had stayed behind to speak with Pryor about the Keeper records.
I ate more than I expected and still wanted something else afterward. Vaela approved of every bite, which meant I heard far less complaining from her. Caius watched me reach for more fruit but remembered my earlier warning. I caught him smiling anyway.
"You're doing it again," I said. I pointed at him with the piece of fruit in my hand. "You promised not to comment." I hadn't forgotten.
"I haven't commented." Caius leaned back in his chair. "You're
