?Chapter 1145:


    Wesley remained missing, and Elena harbored no intention of departing the country just yet.


    After agreeing to remain in Yoswye for a while longer, Elena found herself at the center of Tinsley’s excitement. Lunch was Tinsley’s immediate invitation, her smile bright and full of anticipation as she turned to Elena.


    Elena had expected a simple meal, and the grand spread before her nearly stole her breath away. Stretching almost the length of the hall, avish table gleamed under the light,den with tes and bowls heaped with food fit for a pce celebration.


    An eager hand from Tinsley pulled a chair back. “Please, Healer, sit down and join us,” she said, beaming.


    Politeness held Elena steady, though inwardly she was stunned by the royal wee. “Thank you, Your Royal Highness,” she replied, settling into her seat.


    Taking her ce at the head of the table, Tinsley looked pleased to y host. Across the room, Alistair scooted over until he was right next to Elena. “I want to sit beside you today,” he said, voice sincere.


    Even when standing, Alistair was still shorter than the table. He climbed into the seat next to Elena. In his miniature suit and perfectly tied bow, he looked like a doll at a fancy party.


    A serious look crossed Alistair’s face as he nced up at his older sister. “Tinsley,st night, Lance lost his mind. He still hasn’t gotten up yet. You might need to give him a talking-toter.”


    A new voice drifted in before Tinsley could reply. “Are you causing trouble again, Alistair?” Lance entered the room in his usual hoodie and sweatpants.


    Alistair’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I-I was just telling the truth. Last night, you wereughing like a maniac at yourputer.”


    Teasing came easily to Lance, who wandered over and gently pinched Alistair’s cheeks. “If you keep snitching, you’ll end up biting your own tongue,” he joked. Alistair’s little hands tried to pry Lance’s fingers away, but he had no chance against his older brother’s grip.


    “Let go, Lance! That hurts.” Pouting, Alistair red up at him.


    Elena watched with quiet amusement. Now Alistair finally looked like a real five-year-old. A smile tugged at her lips.


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    Lance caught Elena’s smile and froze for a second, letting Alistair escape. He pulled back and casually said, “We’ve got a guest today?”


    Disapproval shed across Tinsley’s face. “Lance, behave yourself. This is Healer—the one who saved Father.”


    The revtion hit Lance as he sized Elena up. The legendary Healer was surprisingly stunning.


    Lance imed the chair across from her, sinking back with a casual air. “Nice to meet you, Healer.” After that, he seemed content to blend into the background.


    No further reprimand came from Tinsley, though her frown lingered. Among the royal siblings, Lance had always stood apart. He cared nothing for court politics, choosingputers and coding over his family’s expectations—even as the eldest son. He was a prodigy. His programming skills had set him apart from childhood, and he was never one to follow anyone’s rules.


    Rarely did Tinsley see Lance outside mealtimes or the asional holiday. Most days, he holed up in his room, lost in digital worlds.


    Worried he might have offended Elena, Tinsley exined, “My brother Lance spends all day in front of aputer and hardly ever talks to guests—please don’t take his attitude personally.”


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