The castle was unusually lively, even for a place that had long since learned to adapt to chaos. Elysia barely made it down the corridor before Kaelith squirmed and wiggled in her arms, legs pumping with impatient energy.
"Mama, Aliyah!" Kaelith chanted, tugging at Elysia's collar with sticky hands. "Show Aliyah! Show Aliyah!"
Her little general's jacket gleamed in the sunlight a crimson so bright it was almost pink, shiny brass buttons catching every ray, tiny boots scuffed but proud.
Her toy sword bounced at her hip, half hidden by the golden sash. Kaelith's excitement radiated through her whole body, making Elysia laugh despite herself.
"I know, little tyrant, I know," Elysia soothed, shifting Kaelith higher on her hip.
She couldn't help but marvel at how quickly her daughter had grown how the girl who'd once wailed at strange faces was now eager to parade her uniform before the newest and tiniest member of their complicated family.
