I didn’t shout back or grab my knives. I could understand his frustration and fear. If it had been my child, I would’ve screamed too.
“Maybe it isn’t that they disappeared, but that they were hidden. If they walked around like regular people, the magistrate would’ve jailed them for witchcraft before they could say gear.”
“Can you help me?”
I raked my fingers through my hair and scratched my scalp. The whole idea made me itch. “I’m not sure. A baby might evolve on his own. If everything else is perfectly normal, I might cause more harm than if I left things alone.” I wasn’t eager to operate on an infant. At least Buster knew what to expect.
“How do we figure out if it was me or Minerva that caused him to have gears?”
“Does it matter? Or are you already planning your next child?” Bitterness coated my tongue, leaving my tone harder than I liked.
“No. I was curious.” Justin examined his teacup with great interest. “Never mind. Would you at least come see him? I want a second opinion. And you can tell me if you can sense anything with your abilities.”
“I doubt I’ll sense anything. I didn’t with Buster, but I’ll come look at him.” I refuse to promise miracles.
“He can’t take over my position as a Lock Lord if he’s part mechanical! They might even kill him for illegal magics.” Hysteria entered Justin’s usually smooth tones.
“Calm down. We’ll work it out. Who delivered your baby?”
“A midwife. I had my family physician look him over afterward, but he found the baby frightening. If I weren’t there, I suspect he would’ve killed my baby.”
“Who’s watching him now?”
“The servants.”
“You shouldn’t leave your infant with the servants, especially if they’re scared of him. Go home. I’ll come see you in the morning.” I was too tired to deal with this tonight. My bed was singing a siren call, and I would happily drown in its depths.
“Can I stay the night?”
“Which part of going back to your baby did you not understand?” After the strain on our relationship, I thought he’d be eager to spend time with the infant.
“He’ll be with the wet nurse and the nanny. Neither would dare betray me. Besides it wouldn’t be appropriate to interrupt the schedule they are trying to set up.”
“You’re scared of the baby, aren’t you?”
“He’s so little.” Justin’s eyes reflected his nervousness.
I groaned. “Fine. I’ll go home with you in the morning to examine your son.” It was too late, and I had no energy to use any magic.
“Thank you.”
“I can get you some linens for the couch.” I dragged my feet toward the linen closet.
“Marbrey,” Justin called out.
“Yes.” I didn’t dare turn around.
“May I sleep in your bed with you? I just want to hold you. I’ve missed you.”
I didn’t point out how we had never been constant bed partners. Many a night we would go to our homes. Right now, the past didn’t seem important. Still, I hesitated.
“Please?”
I let out a heartfelt groan. “Fine.”
Justin came behind me and wrapped his arms around me in a quick backward hug. I had barely wallowed in his warmth before he stepped away. “I never stopped loving you,” he whispered.
I didn’t respond. My ego appreciated how he sounded as broken as I felt. “Do you want some more tea?”
