CHAPTER 11

“Mommy, Mommy!” Eulalia’s voice pierced through Elowen’s groggy haze. Her eyes fluttered open, and sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, painting her bedroom in gold. She groaned, shielding her face with an arm.

“Come here, little popcorn,” Elowen murmured, sitting up just in time to catch her daughter climbing onto the bed. Eulalia giggled as Elowen pulled her into a warm hug, her tiny arms wrapping around her mother’s neck.

“Where’s your brother?” Elowen asked, brushing a stray curl out of Eulalia’s face.

Eulalia pouted, crossing her arms. “He’s playing with his toy, but he won’t let me join. He said I don’t know how to build the spaceship right.”

Elowen stifled a laugh. “Maybe we can go to the park today,” she said conspiratorially, “just the three of us. What do you think?”

Eulalia gasped, her pout replaced with an ear-to-ear grin. “Really? Can I wear my sparkly dress?”

“We’ll figure something out,” Elowen said, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead. “How about we wear matching outfits? Would you like that?”

Eulalia squealed, bouncing on the bed. “Yes, yes, yes! Matching outfits!”

A soft knock at the door interrupted their moment. “Come in,” Elowen called, shifting Eulalia onto her lap.

The door creaked open, and one of her assistants stepped inside, holding a tablet. “Good morning, ma’am,” the woman said, her tone professional but warm.

“Good morning,” Elowen replied, adjusting Eulalia’s hair.

“We received an email this morning,” the assistant began. “It’s another wedding request. My team and I will be handling it, and Miss Seraphina has already advised us to accept. I’ve sent all the details to your system.”

“Thank you,” Elowen said, giving a small nod. “If Seraphina’s approved it, I trust her judgment. Just keep me updated with the progress.”

“Of course, ma’am,” the assistant said with a polite bow before leaving.

Elowen turned back to Eulalia, who was now twirling a strand of her mother’s hair around her finger. “Alright, let’s go grab your brother and get ready for the park,” Elowen said, setting her daughter on her feet.

By late morning, Elowen had dressed herself and the twins in matching white shirts and blue pants. Eulalia kept spinning in circles, giggling at how the breeze caught her hair.

At the park, the air was alive with the sound of children’s laughter and the occasional bark of a dog. Elowen sat on a bench, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee from a nearby vendor. The twins darted across the playground, their faces glowing with excitement as they chased new friends.

“They’re beautiful children,” a voice said, pulling Elowen’s attention away.

She turned to see an elderly woman lowering herself onto the bench beside her. The woman’s silver hair was pinned neatly, and she carried herself with a quiet dignity that demanded attention.

“Thank you,” Elowen said, glancing back at the twins with a soft smile. “They keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The woman tilted her head, studying Elowen. “Do you bring them here often?”

“Not as often as I’d like,” Elowen admitted. “But today’s a special treat.” She extended her hand. “I’m Elowen.”

The woman took it, her grip surprisingly firm. “Cassiopeia,” she replied.

“Lovely to meet you,” Elowen said, turning her attention back to the playground.

Just then, Leander ran over, his cheeks flushed and hair sticking out in every direction. “Mom, I need water,” he panted, clutching her arm.

Elowen reached for the water bottle in her bag, but Cassiopeia’s gaze lingered on Leander. Her eyes softened, then darkened, as if battling a storm of emotions.

“Elowen,” she said slowly, her voice almost a whisper. “Is this… my great-grandson?”

Elowen froze, her hand tightening around the bottle. She turned to Cassiopeia, her brows knitting together. “What did you just say?”

Cassiopeia’s eyes didn’t waver. Instead, they bore into Leander with an intensity that made Elowen’s heart race.