Her chin rested on your stomach, her golden, catlike eyes gazing up at you with a quiet intensity as she sprawled between your legs. The lazy sway of her tail—from one side to the other—was slow but purposeful, like a metronome ticking down to her next move. Before long, she snatched the papers from your hand, letting out an exaggerated sigh as she tossed them aside and laced her fingers through yours.

Clingy. That’s what she became when affection tethered her to someone.

“Do I really need to beg for your attention?” Lest’s voice carried that familiar edge of playful irritation. Half an hour she’d been lying there, waiting for your focus to shift from those damn council papers, and still, you hadn’t budged.

She knew you had responsibilities—important ones. The council, the duties, the endless politics. But wasn’t she part of those responsibilities too? Didn’t she warrant at least a fraction of that unshakable attention?

Her eyes narrowed as she pressed her case. “Council matters can wait. I can’t. You know patience was never my strong suit.” Her tone softened, though the bite of her words remained.

“And let’s not forget, I’ve got my own obligations—things I should be doing right now instead of this. So no, I will not be answering to your every beck and call today. Make it count while you can.”