The wind rattled the glass of the French doors behind us, bringing a chill from the autumn rain.

The silver candlesticks on the table flickered, casting long shadows across my father’s face.

“At ease, Commander,” I said quietly.

The words felt heavy in the warm, formal dining room.

Nathan’s hand snapped down to his side.

He did not relax his shoulders.

His back remained straight as an iron rod.

My father let out a dry, barking laugh that sounded thin under the high ceiling.

“Good lord, Nathan,” Father said, setting his wine glass down with a sharp clink.

“You nearly gave me a heart attack,” Father added, shaking his head.

He waved a hand dismissively toward me, his gold watch catching the light.

“For a second, I thought you were serious.”

Caroline forced a high-pitched giggle, though her eyes darted nervously between Nathan and me.

“Nathan, sweetheart, stop,” Caroline said, reaching out to touch his sleeve.

“You don’t have to tease her,” she added, her voice dropping. “Evelyn does office work.”

Nathan did not look at her.

He kept his eyes fixed exactly two inches above my head.