Sir Noah nodded and allowed me to step across the threshold.
“Thank you, my good sir,” I told him, then turned back to Ban and Finnian, who remained in the hall. “I appreciate the royal escort.”
“Anytime.” Finnian winked. “We’ll be outside the door should you need anything.”
Only Ban’s gray eyes and a peek of his mouth showed through his helmet, but I caught a tenderness in his expression that kick-started my heart.
I didn’t have time to process that feeling before something slammed into my back.
“Evan is here!” Kuya nuzzled the back of my hair and squeezed me tight. “Kuya missed his Evan so, so much.”
“Be gentle with him, Kuya,” Sawyer said. “He’s still recovering.”
“Kuya is being very gentle and sweet.” The cat boy nuzzled me once more before loosening his hold but didn’t let go completely. “He’s showering his Evan with love.”
I glanced at the prince over my shoulder. He offered me an apologetic smile that transitioned to a chuckle as Kuya started rocking me from side to side.
“I missed you too,” I told Kuya.
The door was still open, allowing the guards to witness me being attacked by the cutest demi-cat to ever walk the earth. What they also saw? Kuya licking my cheek, snatching the basket from my arm, and scurrying away.
“Hey! You little thief.”
He flashed a toothy smile. “These are Kuya’s yummies now.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s a good thing you’re cute.”
Ban made a rough sound.
“Was that a laugh?” I asked, amazed. It reminded me of Lake’s laugh—when he was trying hard to hide it anyway, not quite letting it free.
The guard averted his gaze and quickly turned, facing in the other direction. Finnian nodded to me before taking position beside Ban.
I stepped farther into the room. Sir Noah shut the door and returned to his place against the wall, hands behind his back and gaze forward. A wall of windows let in natural light and showed a small pond on the other side, a field of wildflowers, and trees with newly sprouted leaves. Birds played and splashed in a decorative water bath.
Kuya carried the basket to the table and wasted no time before prying open the lid, his rainbow eyes big and eager. “Evan brought Kuya Berry Delights?”
Strawberry cupcakes that I’d named in his honor.
“Not today,” I said regrettably. “A certain overprotective male of mine would only let me bake some cookies before shooing me out of the kitchen. There should be some muffins in there though.”
“Kuya will forgive Evan just this once. Because Evan is still healing.” His long, reddish-brown tail danced in the air behind him. “But Kuya expects a whole batch of strawberry yummies all to himself when Evan feels better.”
“Deal.” I smiled.
He snatched two cookies from the basket and gobbled them up.
“Your Highness.” I bowed my head to Sawyer.
“Good afternoon, my friend. I’m pleased you could join me on such short notice.” Sawyer’s wide smile veered on relieved, as though he hadn’t known if I’d show or not. It hinted at a deep sadness that broke my heart a little. “I seem to always spring these visits on you so unexpectedly. You must tire of it.”
“Not at all. I’m happy to be here.” I fought the urge to hug him. He just looked so… lonely. “I’ve missed you and Kuya.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He motioned to the small table in front of the windows. “Please have a seat. The tea should be out shortly.”
I waited for him to sit before taking the chair across from him. He appeared more casual that afternoon, wearing fitted black trousers and a white shirt that fell open in the front. His blond hair lay flat and hung to the middle of his ears, the shade and texture reminding me a lot of mine. Even when dressed down, Sawyer’s natural elegance still shone through.
Kuya plopped down to his left, munching on another cookie. Adorable chitters sounded in his throat as he chewed.
