The first hint that today would be different was not the light, but the energy in the air. Elysia woke before sunrise, blinking into the gentle gloom of their bedchamber, and found herself sandwiched between two restless bodies.
Malvoria's arm was draped over her waist, holding her close with unconscious possessiveness, and Kaelith, nestled between them like a tiny queen in her own right, was already squirming wide awake, humming tunelessly, and clearly brimming with anticipation.
Elysia turned, careful not to disturb Malvoria, and brushed a kiss to her daughter's forehead. "It's early, little star," she whispered. "Even the sun isn't up yet."
Kaelith's answer was to crawl higher onto Elysia's chest, plant a sticky good-morning kiss on her cheek, and then, with typical disregard for adult priorities, squeal: "Banquet! Mama, up! Up!"
Malvoria groaned, half-awake, and pulled the blanket over her head. "Let me sleep through at least one sunrise," she mumbled. "Just one."
