You still love me Mama?

She was the light in the darkness, the only one who could pull a smile from Rylan Kensington without effort. She was the heartbeat of this house, the one untouched by the cold world that surrounded them. And for her, this place would remain safe, no matter what it took for all of them to keep it safe.

Servants moved swiftly through the halls, some hanging delicate strings of flowers, while others focused on the aroma of freshly baked pastries filling the air. A feast was being prepared, with an array of dishes, but everyone knew the real battle had already begun.

Lyra Kensington loved sweets.

And Mira Waverly, the one woman who dared to challenge Rylan Kensington, had banned them completely.

Yet, in the special week of her birthday, the unthinkable had happened. Rylan Kensington, the man who ruled with an iron grip, had bent to his precious daughter's wishes. Sweets would not be forbidden. Not now. Not this week.