"I think it must be a very cute kitten. And I think you're the best Papa Duke in the world. Even if you are a grumpy hedgehog."
Kaelus looked down at the bright, smiling face of his daughter.
The anger, the exhaustion, the heavy burden of the impending hunt, it all melted away, washed out by the blinding light of her affection.
He sighed, a long, defeated sound, and allowed his rigid posture to relax.
He reached down, picked her up under her arms, and hoisted her smoothly into the air, settling her comfortably onto his hip, resting her weight against his unarmored side.
"I am not a hedgehog," Kaelus grumbled, though he wrapped his arm securely around her waist, holding her close. "And the feline is a fierce predator. It is currently guarding my war room."
"Sure it is," Seraphina grinned, resting her head against his shoulder. "Can I pet him when we get home?"
