Oliver looked from Catherine to Alaric, his green eyes very similar to Alaric’s own.
He looks so like me, and yet my heart tells me he is not my son.Surely, he would have remembered a lover by now? The familiar anger welled within him at the thought of such a thing, but he kept it from his face.
“I will be back soon.” Alaric saw Catherine give Oliver’s shoulder a gentle squeeze before she left the room.
For a moment, Alaric and the boy looked at each other. Alaric realized he had never been alone with the boy until now.What isone supposed to do with a child?He supposed it was a good sign that Oliver had not clung to Catherine and was instead fidgeting by the doorway.
“You should come in.” Alaric gestured toward the room and took a step back, wanting to give the small child some space.
Oliver nodded slowly and stepped carefully into the room. As he did, Alaric moved to the plush green sofa by the fireplace and sat on it. Oliver sat down on the floor, his eyes on Alaric.
“Do you need chalk?” Alaric asked, gesturing to the slate Oliver was carrying.
He shook his head, gripping the slate more firmly. Alaric nodded. “If you do, there’s some on my desk. You draw and I will read. And before we know it, Catherine will be back.”
At least I hope so.Oliver continued to watch him, as though his green eyes were trying to understand a particularly interesting book before him. Alaric met the boy’s gaze with his own.
“If you are wondering about the ride, I have not forgotten. I have spoken to the stablemaster, and once your clothes are ready, we can begin your lessons.” Alaric gestured to his own clothes.
Oliver’s eyes brightened, and although the corners of his mouth tensed upward, it did not quite become a full smile. There was a brief pause, then he started to draw on the slate. Alaric exhaledsoftly, unaware he had been holding his breath, and opened his book.
Moments later, he sensed something brushing against his boot. Alaric looked down and saw a small piece of chalk beside him. He nudged it with his foot, causing it to roll back toward Oliver, all without taking his eyes off his book.
If I look up, he might think he is in trouble.
There was another tap, and he looked down to see that the chalk was back beside his foot. Alaric frowned and looked up to see Oliver watching him.
“Are you trying to get my attention?” Alaric canted his head toward the boy.
Oliver’s eyes widened, but he nodded. Alaric furrowed his brow and leaned forward in his chair. Oliver carefully slid the slate toward him.
It showed a simple picture of a very tall man and a boy. Alaric moved closer. “I assume this is me, and this is you?”
Oliver nodded and proceeded to draw a small, strange-shaped creature beside them. He pointed to it, arched an eyebrow at Alaric, and canted his head to one side.
It is a question; that much is certain.Alaric looked at the creature again.
“A pony is not quite that small,” Alaric said slowly. “If it were, you would not be able to ride it.”
Oliver shook his head and adjusted his drawing, changing one line so it curved upward. Alaric squinted at the creature, moving his head from side to side. He could see four legs, a long snout, and now a tail that curved toward the sky. Understanding dawned on him.
“A dog?” Alaric pointed to the creature.
Oliver clapped his hands, nodding so enthusiastically that it made Alaric feel slightly sick.
If I moved my head that much, it would threaten to split in two.
Alaric leaned back in the chair. “Is this your way of telling me that you want a dog?”
Oliver clapped his hands again and grinned up at Alaric. He pointed to his own chest, then to the dog, and then back to his chest, tilting his head once more.
Alaric felt something warm spread across his body as he returned the boy’s smile. He was practically radiating with excitement. Alaric moved to kneel beside Oliver on the floor.
“A dog is a lot of work, Oliver.” Alaric kept his voice gentle. “The servants will help, but I would ask that you do your part as well. Do you understand?”
Oliver rubbed out the lines meant to be the boy’s arms and changed them so they had big curves. Then he raised one arm and pointed to the slight bump of muscle on it. Then he nodded his head toward Alaric.
Alaric chuckled and imitated the boy, feeling his own muscles tense. “I do not think you are quite as strong as I, not yet.”
