“I’m not sure it will. In fact, it probably won’t.”
“So why’d you give it to me?”
“Because I’ve learned that when you are overwrought with emotion, it is often best to distract you.”
“Reboot my brain. Mama Thea always used to say that.”
“Hmm,” Cecil hummed as he took another delicate sip.
“I’m not drinking anymore of that.”
“Would you like something else?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know. Do I?”
Cecil grinned and began rummaging in the kitchen once more.
“I feel like everything is a jumble. I feel like I’m messing things up worse. Henry is so excited. Well, he was. He’s probably not now. But he’s ready to stick it to my brother. To show him we’re awesome and strong and….”
“But that’s not your duty here, Master Sawyer.”
“It isn’t, is it?”
Cecil smiled and handed him a familiar glass with one of his favorite striped straws. “Here. Let’s walk.”
“I need to tell my mates.”
“They all hover in the hall, waiting.”
“Ugh,” Sawyer groaned. “Come on guys. I’m going to walk with Cecil.”
His mates entered the kitchen, each of them worried.
“You okay?” Draco asked.
Sawyer shrugged. “No. But I will be.”
Henry sighed. “I brought the book. I’m sorry I was insensitive.”
“You weren’t,” Sawyer said. He hopped off the stool and moved to Henry’s side, cupping his hand around Henry’s cheek when he was close enough to reach him. “You’re brilliant, and I love your mind. I love that you’re excited to learn things and work even harder than I do to find answers. Please don’t stop doing that. For me, okay?”
“Okay,” Henry said softly. “He hurt my brothers and sisters, too. I know it’s not a joke.”
“I know,” Sawyer said. “And Dakota knows. He’s mad at me, not you, okay?”
“I’m going to read the grimoire and see if I can find what I’m supposed to read.”
“You will. Let me know what you figure out.”
Henry kissed him sweetly before turning to go back upstairs. Sawyer didn’t want to let him go. “Eduard,” Sawyer said. “Go with him please?”
Eduard nodded. He stepped closer to Sawyer and cupped his cheeks. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Eduard kissed his forehead and followed Henry upstairs.
He turned to Andvari and Loch next. “Will you check in with everyone? See if anything’s going on. I figure with that display earlier, our guards may need some time with the two of you. Reassure them, okay?”
