Rose PoV
"Something the matter, Rose?" Saffron asked, blinking.
"No, I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile that felt a little strained. "Just a bit surprised to see you brought a friend."
Mariah stepped forward, her smile friendly and genuine. "It's great to meet you, Rose! Saffron has told me so much about you and Anis. I hope I'm not intruding."
"No, not at all!" I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "We're happy to have you here."
Anis bounced in my arms, clearly excited about the attention.
I giggled. She was so hyper.
Mariah hummed and gasped. "Wait, aren't you the princess?"
I sighed. "Yes," I whispered. That title still felt strange to me, despite having it all of my life. Apart from when I was little, I rarely ever felt like one.
Anis gooed as she kicked her little legs.
I giggled. "Excited to show your daddy what you learned, huh?"
Sil jumped. "Show us, Anis!"
