Oss’s expression didn’t change. “I thought you were at work? Want a cuppa?”
Thorne shook his head. “I have to run. I came back because I forgot my paperwork. I’m late as it is.”
“What do you mean about a kid not being able to be adopted?” I asked. Maybe Thorne could give me the perspective I needed. Justin was too proud to confess any deep truths. “Is it because of the family magic? That can’t be the entire reason. With the size of the city, there has to be others with the same magical abilities even if they are bastards.”
Oss snickered.
The history of Keys was odd. They had outlawed magic, but they still needed Lock Lord magic to create new locks. They were one of the few magicals always allowed to use their abilities. Leave it to the politicians to only allow magic that locks things away from other people.
Thorne sat down in the chair beside Oss, pressing a kiss to Oss’s forehead only to be batted away. “Lock Lords have bloodline magic. It skipped me so even if I were to be crazy enough to cheat on Oss, my kids might not get the powers. Even Lear’s child might not get the Lock magic. If that is the case, he will have to have more than one.”
“I asked him about a spare. He tried to avoid answering.”
“What about bastards?” Oss asked. “Lords are always dipping their wick where it doesn’t belong.”
“They’d be hard to identify. Unless one came forward with the proper magic, there would be no way to find out if the magic is out there. This was the best way. Marbrey, you have to know that Justin’s torn up about you tossing him out.” Thorne frowned. I wasn’t Oss, to be brought to heel by his disappointment.
I returned his look with a bland one of my own.
“I’m pretty sure you can create a lock manually. Other cities do it.” I refused to give in.
Oss shook his head. “No. I remember this from my key training. For the City of Keys, they have to be created by magic or they won’t stay. Something about the city being resistant to regular metal locks.”
I raked my fingers through my hair. “Even if you are both right and Justin needs an heir. That doesn’t change the fact that he didn’t bother telling me about it. I had to hear from the town gossip.” I wasn’t truly against a baby. What kind of monster would that make me? It was the dismissive way that Justin didn’t even think to tell me the news.
Thorne sighed. “You two should work things out. I know he is in the wrong, but my brother’s a good guy and he loves you.”
“I think we both said everything we needed to.” The gaping hole in my heart had to heal eventually. I’d been fine. A little lonely, but fine.
Thorne held up his hands. “All right. I won’t say anything more. My brother can deal with his own love life, even if he does it poorly. I have my hands full enough with this one.” He pointed at Oss.
“Hey!” Oss threw a sugar cube at Thorne.
Thorne snatched it out of the air with his right hand, then tossed it into his mouth. “Sweet, like you.”
I didn’t throw up… but it was close.
Brenson entered the room, his face pinched with disdain. “Sir, here is your paperwork.” He handed over a brown paper packet to Thorne, then sniffed at Oss before leaving the room, not bothering to see if we needed anything else.
“One day, I’m going to stab that bastard,” Oss growled.
“You can’t just go around stabbing people to solve your problems, love,” Thorne scolded.
“Wanna bet?” Oss folded his arms.
If I gambled, I’d place all my money on Oss. No one with any sense would bet against him…ever.
“I’ve got to go.” Thorne brushed a kiss across Oss’s lips. He straightened, then froze as his focus turned toward the settee. “Who is that?”
Somehow, Affie had rolled up in the blanket and only a bit of blond hair was visible.
“Affie. He had an episode.” Oss waved an indifferent hand.
“I…you know what. I’m going back to work.” Thorne gave Oss another kiss, then left the room.
Oss smirked. “That man understands me so well.”
I snorted. “Definitely infatuated at least.”
