Chapter 23: Family

Aurora sighed, grasping Leon's shoulders to hold him in place. "Stay still, let me finish brushing your hair."

Leon squirmed, eager to join his siblings' nighttime escapades. The room echoed with laughter and playful shouts as Adrien, Alexandre, and Lucien chased each other.

"Tonight has been a long day," Aurora muttered, her patience wearing thin. She had already bathed and dressed them, but their boundless energy seemed to reignite.

Leon's eyes drifted, his lower lip jutting out. "I thought Papa promised us fun tonight."

Aurora's hands paused, her eyes locking onto Leon's. "Papa's busy, sweetie. Now, hold still."

Leon's shoulders slumped, but he complied, arms crossing over his chest.

Adrien launched himself onto the bed, bouncing with excitement. "Can we have dinner with Papa?"

Aurora's hands stilled, brush poised mid-air, as she turned to Adrien. "Dinner... with your father?"