Page 98 of Fractured Empire

“Daddy, look!” Leo shouts, swinging his arm back to point at the open door. “Papa here! Kat, Papa come to see me.”

“Us,” his brother corrects quietly.

“Yeah, us,” Leo agrees cheerily.

Princess Spaghetti wiggles in Bastian’s arms, reaching over to try and nip at Leo as the two boys stand near the foot of Leon’s bed. Dante stands behind them like a protective shadow, too polite to enter the bedroom without permission. He’s in the doorway, keeping his distance while maintaining an even expression. If he’s surprised to find us in bed together, he makes no effort to show it.

“I see that,” Leon acknowledges, sitting up straighter now. “Did he wake you up or did you find him all on your own?”

Leo takes in a big breath like he’s about to explain the complicated harrowing tale of how they all came to be where they are, when the deep rumble of his papa’s voice stops him in his attempt.

“I went to check on them when I came in and no one was awake. Leo was already tugging Bastian out of bed, and my appearance seemed to wake them both up further. They insisted on finding their new puppy to show me, and then we went to Katya’s room and she wasn’t there.” His tone is factual, not giving away how he feels about finding me here, but obviously soft when speaking about the kids.

“And I tell Papa that Kat prob-bab-lee here!” Leo finishes grinning proudly. “Daddy help nightmares, right Kat?”

“Right,” I reply through a small cough, hoping my eyes aren’t as wide open as they currently feel. It’s only a white lie, and it doesn’t feel wrong to fib in this case. The kids are far too young to explain the adult relationship blossoming between me and their father. At least, not in a way that can be come up with on the spot.

Leo beams at being told he’s correct, but no one else makes a move to speak.

Well, this isn’t awkward at all.

“How did you two sleep?” I ask, looking down at the two little boys who have cemented themselves as some of the most important people in my life.

“Super good. I dreamed about Princess Spaghetti,” Leo replies, leaning toward Bastian to kiss the pup on the head.

“I bet that was very nice.” My lips tip up, glad to hear his joy as always. “And you, little love?”

“Good.” Bastian shrugs. “Papa says we can help him make breakfast.”

“Oh, he did, did he?” Leon drawls, sharing a look with his father. “And what is your papa, who burns toast, going to help you cook?”

Dante chuckles at his son like he’s a kid pouting rather than a grown man snarking. “I picked up some stuff on the way here. Everything is cooked, they just get to build their own breakfast sandwiches.”

“That was nice of you,” Leon replies, sounding almost reluctant. “Seems like you planned this visit thoughtfully despite not giving me a call.”

“I did attempt.” His father arches a brow, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms. “You didn’t pick up, and when I called Gino, he informed me that your guards reported you went to bed early. So unlike you, Son.”

“Do you two need a minute?” I ask, looking between the men with hesitation. “I could take the kids downstairs…”

“No, no,” Dante replies, holding up a hand and offering me a small smile to smooth away any tension. “I’ll get these two started on breakfast while the both of you get a moment to wake up.” Looking back at Leon, he adds, “We’ll talk later. Work stuff.”

“Papa, can you hold Princess, she’s wiggly?” Bastian asks, lifting the puppy up to Dante as he heads for the door to leave.

“Princess Spaghetti,” Leo corrects with a huff. He doesn’t follow his brother, though. Instead, he walks around my side of the bed with his hands on his hips and a determined look on his face. “Kat, you have to kiss my head good morning like you always do.”

My heart melts at his sweet request, watching as his little elbows dig into the mattress, trying to make himself taller so the top of his head is within reach.

“Of course, sweet boy,” I whisper, bending over the side of the bed to brush my lips against his soft mop of hair. “Now go get some breakfast with your papa, okay? Daddy and I will be down soon.”

“Okay.” He grins, skipping toward the door.

Following his path, I’m surprised to see Bastian pass him on the way, walking over to take his place. He doesn’t say a word as he stands on my side of the bed, looking up at me with wide, innocent eyes.

“Good morning, little love,” I tell him, cupping the side of his face and kissing him on the top of the head just like I’ve become accustomed to. I hadn’t realized it was a daily occurrence, but it makes sense. I’ve been waking them up with little hugs and greeting them with gentle kisses on the head or squeezing their little hands softly each morning. “Don’t let your brother give Princess Spaghetti too many bites of egg or bacon, hmm? We have to give her the special puppy food soon.”

“I won’t let him,” Bastian agrees dutifully, dipping his head bashfully as he leaves the room.

When they’re out of sight, a sigh leaves me and I collapse back into Leon’s pillow with a huff. My hands cover my face and I can feel how warm my cheeks are under my palms. “I can’t believe your father walked in on us like this.”