Silvanus quietly looking at her, making sure the words truly came from her lips.

Aeliana nodded, letting him obey what his mother wanted. She wasn’t cruel enough to scold Silvanus for doing so. Above all, she had no right to stop him—he was of sound mind, after all.

“Go entertain your guests. I’ll be fine here,” she persuaded gently.

Silvanus stared at her intently for one more time, as if questioning her sanity. He had no reaction, only a long, unreadable gaze, before his mother ...