19
KIAN
"Good morning, Mother." Kian held the phone against his ear while watching Syssi help Allegra into her highchair. "Would you like to join us for breakfast? Okidu is making his famous waffles."
"Of course. Did you learn anything of value from Elias over lunch yesterday? I know you would not issue me a last-minute invitation to breakfast just because you suddenly miss your mother."
She knew him too well.
"I've seen you nearly every day for the past two weeks, so I've gotten used to the pleasure of your company, and I indeed miss you. You know the saying about absence making the heart grow fonder? I think it's the other way around. The more time I spend with you, the more I crave your company."
She laughed. "Oh, Kian. You seem in a good mood this morning, which means that you have good news for me."
"I might have some very good news for you. I'll tell you over breakfast."
"I do not know if I can stand the suspense. I am on my way." She ended the call.
Since she stayed in the house next door, it would take her no longer than five minutes to get there.
"I'll get another plate." Syssi disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kian alone with his daughter.
Allegra banged her small fists on the highchair tray. "Waffles!"
"Okidu is still making them. Patience, princess."
"Nana likes waffles."
"Yes, she does." Kian bit back a laugh. "Everyone likes Okidu's waffles."
Syssi returned with another place setting for the breakfast table. "You should have seen Okidu when I told him that your mother is coming for breakfast. He couldn't have smiled more if he had won the lottery."
"Okidu doesn't care about the lottery."
"You'd be surprised." Syssi smiled conspiratorially. "I know for a fact that he buys a lottery ticket every time he goes grocery shopping."
That was news to Kian. "Why? What does he want to do with the money?"
"I don't know. I pretend not to notice that he buys them. If he wants to tell us, he will."
Great. Even his butler was keeping secrets.
Kian detested them, and now he had to keep Eluheed's secret from his mother. It didn't sit right. Keeping her in the dark felt like a betrayal, even if the secret wasn't his to share. He would have to talk to Eluheed and make it clear that continued cooperation depended on bringing Annani into the loop.
But that conversation would have to wait. Today was all about Khiann.
As the doorbell chimed, Okidu rushed from the kitchen to answer the door, and a moment later, Annani swept into the living room in a swirl of flowing green silk gown and hip-length red hair.
"Nana!" Allegra shrieked from her highchair, arms outstretched.
A big smile bloomed on Annani's face as she crossed to the highchair and scooped Allegra up, pressing kisses to her granddaughter's cheeks.
"Precious," Annani cooed. "Have you had any of Okidu's waffles yet?"
"No. They are not ready. Eat with Nana. Lots of whipped cream and stahbrees on top. Banana too."
"That sounds delicious. We will eat them together." Annani put Allegra back in her highchair and turned to Kian. "I am eager to hear your great news."
"After breakfast. If we don't eat his waffles while they're hot, Okidu will sulk the rest of the day, or week."
