The door opens before Lila can say more and a familiar face peeks from behind it. “I was hoping to say hello to my favorite little sister.”
“Orthros!” I exclaim jumping out of the bed and running to embrace him.
“Hello, dear Maeve…” he says fondly as he hugs me back. “I’ve missed you too.”
“I knew you’d be back! I’ve always told Lila you’d return one day and I was right! Oh, I’m so happy to see you!”
He chuckles as he leads me inside so we may sit down. “Yes, Lila told me you’ve always been my champion. I’m still not sure if that is a fault or a virtue… but I am glad you’re on my side.” He gives me a small box and I squeal in delight when I recognize it.
“Chocolate seashells! You remember!”
When we were young, he’d always smuggle those from the royal banquet to give them to me, knowi
