Raine

The pitter-patter of little feet coming from the opposite side of the Council room caught my attention. In a blur of movement, a small bundle of energy raced toward Armand with his hands out. "Papa!"

Instantly, Armand's complete attention focused on the little boy. He crouched down, ready to catch his hurtling offspring, when Brialle rushed into the room behind him.

"Tarquin!" she gasped and then gulped in air to catch her breath before continuing, "You know not to run from mommy!"

I bit back a giggle. Brialle's hair was askew, tendrils flying haphazardly around her face, and her chocolate-colored eyes a bit wild as they zeroed in on...