Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 488

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley 488**

**Chapter 488 Under the Table**

With a fluid motion, Calum scooped Emma into his arms, lifting her as if she weighed no more than a feather.

He moved with intention, each step measured and steady, ensuring that she would not be jostled or unsettled during their brief journey. Though the distance from the bed to the dining table was minimal, he approached it with the utmost care, as if navigating a delicate balance.

As he arrived at the table, he gently lowered Emma into a chair, treating her as though she were the most precious of treasures.

Drake, anticipating the moment, quickly pulled out a chair and placed a soft cushion against the backrest, a thoughtful gesture that spoke volumes about their camaraderie.

Only after ensuring she was settled did Calum bend down, his presence a protective shield around her. He hovered close, attentive to her comfort, before finally stepping back to give her space.

“Would you like some soup first? It’ll help keep you warm,” he suggested, his voice smooth and inviting as he reached for a bowl, ready to ladle the steaming broth for her.

The hands that had once commanded legions now moved with an almost startling gentleness, a contrast to the strength they typically wielded.

After all, he was a Marshal, a man of duty and strength, not one to act foolishly. Silas had guided him through the nuances of their situation, illuminating the missteps he had taken. It became clear to him what he needed to do next.

“Okay,” Emma replied, her voice soft yet firm as she nodded. Her eyes flickered across the array of dishes spread out before her, then landed on the men who watched with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

She smiled, her expression brightening the room. “Why don’t you all join me? There’s so much food here. I could never finish it all by myself,” she encouraged, her tone light and inviting.

It would indeed be a pity to let the feast that Corvin and Kieran had so lovingly prepared go to waste. The aroma wafting through the air was nothing short of heavenly.

“Of course,” Corvin responded without hesitation, sliding into the chair beside her the moment she spoke, a look of eagerness on his face.

Edric and the others exchanged knowing glances, their half-smiles hinting at a shared secret, as though they were in on some private joke that Emma remained blissfully unaware of.

Corvin, undeterred by the teasing looks from his companions, focused solely on Emma.

“Emma, what would you like? I’ll fetch it for you. This sea beast is exceptional. I remembered you enjoy fried beast cutlets, so I prepared it just for you—with one large bone, no small ones. You can eat without worry,” he declared, his enthusiasm infectious.

Calum mirrored Corvin’s gesture, carefully placing a piece of the succulent beast meat on her plate, ensuring it was just right.

“Emy, this beast meat is perfect,” Calum added, his voice warm and sincere. “It will replenish your energy—good for you and the cubs.”

Corvin’s eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing.

Emy? Isn’t that what Silas affectionately calls Emma?

He glanced at Silas, who remained focused on his soup, his demeanor calm and collected.

Noticing Corvin’s astonishment, Calum turned to Emma, his gaze earnest. “Emy, calling you ‘Ms. Tibarn’ feels so distant. Your name has warmth—especially the way Silas says it. May I call you that too?”

The moment the words left his lips, he felt a twinge of anxiety. If she rejected the name, he would feel foolish.

“I don’t mind at all,” Emma replied, casting a fleeting glance at Silas, her expression a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify