“Because Mama said so.”
“That’s not a good reason.”
“It is the best reason,” Mal said.
Killian subsided but kept watching the glowing blood like it might do a trick.
Umrik began his analysis, muttering and waving his hands over the sample. While we waited, an awkward silence descended over the library.
I kept almost making eye contact with Mal, then looking away at the last second. He was doing the same thing. We were like two people who desperately wanted to talk but had forgotten how. I didn’t know what was going on, but Mal knew something I didn’t, and he was shitty to hide it.
“Stop looking at me,” I said without looking at him.
“I am not looking at you.”
“You were totally looking at me.”
“You are difficult not to look at.” He winked at me. Howdarehe.
“Stop being charming. I’m mad at you.”
“I am not trying to be charming.”
“Then stop doing it accidentally.”
Mal made a sound that might have been a laugh.
“Mama, you’re making a face-”
“Killian, I love you, but please stop narrating my facial expressions.”
“Okay.” He was silent for maybe ten seconds. “Mama, I’m SO bored.”
Torin, who’d been standing quietly by the door this whole time, stepped forward. He’d clearly been reading the room and decided we all needed a break from each other.
“Young prince,” he said. “Would you like a special mission?”
Killian’s entire face lit up. “A MISSION?!”
“Hunt for purple flowers in the garden. I bet you cannot find five before your mother is done here.”
“I accept this mission!” Killian straightened to his full three-foot height, looking extremely serious. “It’s dangerous but I’m VERY brave!”
“The bravest,” Torin agreed solemnly.
Killian gave himself what I could only describe as a mission briefing, complete with hand gestures. “Okay. Purple flowers. Five of them. Maybe more if I’m really good. I need to be sneaky. And fast. And observant! That’s a good word, right, Mama?”
“Perfect word.”
He saluted us and ran out the door with Torin following at a respectful distance.
I watched him go, smiling slightly despite everything. “He’s talking to himself.”
“He does that when he is focused,” Mal said softly.
“I know.”
Our eyes met. For a moment, there was that shared parent affection, that united front we always presented when it came to our son. But before either of us could speak, Umrik made a shocked exclamation that had us both spinning toward him.
