Seeing the worry on her face, Lance's heart softened. Without thinking, his hand reached out to gently pat her head, just like he used to. Surprisingly, Addison didn't flinch or pull away. The familiar gesture seemed to comfort her, and that simple acceptance filled Lance with quiet joy.
"No," he said, his voice gentler now. "Nothing like that. I was called to discuss the logistics of the wheat and grain harvest from the South. We're coordinating the transport of crops and livestock to minimize the damage from the locust swarm. Your father just wanted to go over the final plans."
"Wait, isn't the harvest season still a bit far off?" Addison asked, brows slightly furrowed.
"The Alpha King suggested an early harvest," Lance explained with a shrug. "It might affect the quality, sure, but it's better than letting everything go to waste, don't you think?"
His voice softened as he looked at her, his gaze gentle.
