“Really?”
“Oh, yes. We loved committing break-ins and all kinds of petty crimes. Your grandmother was a fantastic pickpocket, just like you. You’ve certainly inherited her skill.”
“No one’s ever told me I’ve inherited anything,” I said. “I guess we’re more alike than I thought.”
“You remind me of my younger self, in a lot of ways. But I knew when I had to be a criminal and when I had to be an Emperor,” Cassiel said firmly. “We had our fun, but when it came time to take on the bigger jobs, I knew I had to be a leader rather than the one pulling off the heist. You have people here willing to do these things for you, and you need to utilize them.”
“How can you utilize people you don’t trust? I’m always expecting someone to stab me in the back.”
“You don’t have to trust everyone who’s working for you— in fact, many of themwilltry to stab you in the back. But I’m your grandfather, and you can trust me, because I vow that I won’t fail you. I’m going to teach you how to find the right people to get the job done. I’m always going to be here for you, so if you need guidance, all you have to do is ask. You’re my grandson. And because you are, I’m going to show you the way.”
I’d had many mentors before, but I never felt I had anything to learn from them. I was always more powerful, or they didn’t understand my disability, how to make accommodations for me, or how I felt. I had Marty for a few years, but he was a friend, and his guidance only kept me alive. It got me into trouble more than once— it almost got me killed.
My grandfather understood the thrill I got whenever I committed a crime, but he also had power and knowledge that I didn’t. He knew how to keep his emotions in check and how to see the crime from a different angle, in order to pull it off in the most effective way. I knew I could learn a lot from him— if I could open myself up enough to allow him to help me.
And if I was really honest with myself, I really needed a role model. I never had a father figure in my life, and Cameron wasn’t really there for me, even now.
But my grandfather was willing to step up and help me figure out how to be a man in a world where I’d struggled to learn how to become one by myself. Everyone around the palace really respected my grandfather. I wanted to command that kind of respect, too.
“I’m going to take your advice,” I promised. “I’ll ask for help next time.”
I smirked, thinking about what we’d done. “Even if Ididhave a good time.”
“I don’t blame you for enjoying yourself. It’s in your blood.” Cassiel laughed. “But there’s a time and a place, and it’s important to discern where you’re needed and where you need to give orders. When you’re attempting these kinds of jobs, you can’t be so attached to the outcome, because it won’t always go in your favor. And sometimes, you need to have others take the fall for you.”
“I guess I’m going to have to get used to that, because with what’s at stake, not everyone’s going to make it. I just have to make sure Ava and I do.”
“Exactly. Now you’re thinking like an Emperor,” he praised.
We went quiet for a moment, and I listened to the wind whispering through the flowers before I felt pressed to say more. I didn’t want to ask him this, but I needed to. “Why didn’t my dad show up to the meeting? Everyone else’s family was there. It was embarrassing I was the only one without a parent.”
“Your father should’ve been there, but in my honest opinion, I don’t think he knows how. Your father never got to be a dad, so he doesn’t quite understand what that entails. He thought after you made such a big mistake, it would be best to give you space.”
“I don’t want space. I want support.”
“You don’t have to beg your father for his support, because the people who will support you will naturally show up, no questions asked. I’m here for you, and we’re family. I can promise that I’malwaysgoing to be here.”
I didn’t care about my dad. He could go to hell. But my grandpa was genuine, and he wanted to help me. There was no point in focusing on the father who’d abandoned me when there was one right here offering to take my hand.
“Thanks,seanari. It’s nice to have somebody who… finally gets me.”
Tears welled in my eyes. I didn’t want my grandfather to see me cry. I stood and cleared my throat. “Ava’s, uh, waiting for me. I should let her know that you and I are all right.”
“Of course. Go tend to your wife.”
I left the gardens as quickly as I could before my grandfather could witness me break down. I turned the corner and leaned my back against the wall as tears slipped down my cheeks. No one had ever been a parent to me before, and for the first time in over twenty years, I had a relative who actually gave a damn.
Ava nudged me through our bond.Everything okay, Charlie?
I wiped my face and took a deep breath.I’ll be fine. Where are you?
Oberi and I are back in our room.
I’m on my way.
I returned to our room and found Ava in the living area. I sank down onto the sofa and pressed my face into my hands. It had been a long day, and I didn’t realize until now how exhausted I was. Oberi jumped onto my lap and licked my face a few times before he lay across my legs.
“What did your grandpa say?” Ava asked gently as she wheeled up beside me. She didn’t ask the obvious, but she knew I’d been crying.
