Noelle's POV
"Daddy!" Mirelle squirms excitedly in Thorne's arms, her little hands reaching out as if she might throw herself into the chaos of the bustling coastal city.
The port is far busier than usual, and I don't have to wonder why. A massive influx of craftsmen has flooded the streets, stalls overflowing with exotic goods, and the docks are lined with ships unloading wares. It's easy to guess whose fault that is.
I glance at Thorne, barely suppressing a snicker.
The great and mighty Lord Alden abandoned his duties, dumping them onto Rhett, so we could enjoy what he calls a family getaway. I call it conveniently timed avoidance—especially since we're really here to collect the shipment we ordered from the eastern continent months ago.
