Aliyah's POV

He held Elara by the hand while I watched, my face neutral.

Asher stopped while they were on the stairs, snapping his gaze to the back.

“Papa, how've you been?” He asked. Papa lifted his gaze and chuckled. “You just realized I was here?”

He didn't sound like he was getting angry, he was just amused—I could tell from his face.

“I'm sorry, I was busy with Elara,” Asher apologized, a smile on his face.

Papa nodded. “Of course, it's fine. And I've been ...