Chapter 86

Seraphina didn't answer right away. Her small fingers toyed with the edge of Aurora's robe, eyes downcast.

Then, softly, she asked again, "Is it okay… if the nanny touches my curls?"

Aurora pulled back just enough to see her daughter's face. That familiar frown of caution was there—her wary little crease, the one she wore when something didn't feel right but she didn't want to be rude.

"The nanny asked first," Seraphina added quickly, as though defending both herself and the woman. "She didn't just do it. But I said I had to check with you."

Aurora's chest tightened. Not with panic but pride. She loves this little smart bundle of joy the universe gave to her.

She cupped her daughter's cheek, brushing a stray curl back into place. "She won't touch your curls unless you say it's okay. You know that, right?"

Seraphina nodded, still unsure. "It's just… no one else really does. Only you and sometimes dad."