Page 8 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"What if I teach you after lunch?"

Rose's eyes light up at the words 'lunch,' and she races inside. I chuckle as I head to the dining room where I laid out some items I bought at the market this morning - a spread of roasted meats, fresh bread, and seasonal fruits. Rose's eyes go wide at the feast, while Ada's gaze darts between each dish as if cataloging potential threats.

"The sweet rolls are my favorite," Rose declares, climbing onto a chair without hesitation. Her tiny fingers reach for the twisted pastry. "At the last inn, they gave me one with purple berries inside!"

Ada remains standing, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Rose, wait-"

"Please, sit." I gesture to the chair, keeping my movements slow and deliberate. "The food is meant to be enjoyed."

When Ada finally settles into her seat, her spine remains rigid as a sword. She cuts Rose's food into small pieces, testing each morsel before allowing her daughter to eat.

"These are better than the purple ones!" Rose announces through a mouthful of sweet roll. "Mama, you have to try it!"

"Small bites, sweetheart." Ada's voice carries forced lightness, though her eyes never stop scanning the room.

I pour water into their glasses, noting how Ada flinches when my hand comes near. "I went to the market this morning. If there's anything you want, I'm sure I can find it."

"Do they have those little cakes with stars on top?" Rose bounces in her seat. "The ones at grandfather's-"

"Rose." Ada's sharp tone cuts through the air. The child's mouth snaps shut, but not before I catch the flash of pain across Ada's features.

The silence stretches, broken only by the clink of silverware. I find myself searching for words to ease the tension, but years of command have left me better suited to giving orders than offering comfort.

"The garden has a section for edible plants," I say finally. "You're welcome to use anything you find there. I noticed your knowledge of herbs earlier."

Ada's eyes meet mine for the first time since sitting down. "Thank you," she whispers, the words barely audible.

Rose, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, launches into a detailed description of her favorite herbs and how her mother uses them to make "magic tea" that helps her sleep.

A sharp knock at the door interrupts Rose's enthusiastic herb lecture. Kestrel, one of my most trusted guards, stands at attention in the hallway. His expression tells me everything before he opens his mouth.

"Captain. Another report."

I rise from the table, my appetite gone. "Excuse me. Please, continue your meal."

Ada's fork freezes halfway to her mouth, her eyes tracking my movements as I follow Kestrel into the hall. Once the door closes, he hands me a sealed scroll.

"Fourth one this month, sir. Half-demon child, only three. Taken from the merchant district last night."

My fingers tighten on the parchment until it crackles. "Search pattern?"

"Teams are already sweeping the area. No traces of magic residue this time."

I scan the report, memorizing details while plotting search coordinates in my head. "We should set more wards. Have the Lieutenant get on that. And I want every guard watching for suspicious movement near families with mixed-blood children."

"Yes, sir." Kestrel starts to leave, but I stop him.

"Kestrel." He looks back at me. "I do not think I need to remind you that what happens in my home is private business."

He doesn't even blink. "Of course not, Captain."

I nod, dismissing him. I suspected that would be the answer I received. But I needed to make it clear anyway.

When I return to the dining room, Ada's posture has shifted from merely tense to coiled spring. Her eyes lock onto me, searching for threats in my expression. The easy atmosphere from moments ago has evaporated.

"Is everything alright?" She keeps her tone light, likely for Rose's benefit, but I catch the tremor underneath.

"Guard business." I settle back into my chair, noting how she angles herself between me and Rose. "Nothing that concerns you."

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