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He cleared his throat dramatically.

A little hare hopped here and there

Looking for a crown to wear.

He searched all day, Till Owl did say,

The crown was always there.

“Very wrong,” I said, unimpressed.

“So my and Saurin’s versions are both incorrect?”

I listened to the room beyond the curtain. "Maybe hers is more correct than mine." I paused. “And it may be more accurate than yours.”

I grinned. "But mine is better."

Colsar snorted.

"Now I must truly get strong,” I said.

"Yes, lest the children never get to learn your version of the Hare and the Crown."

"Exactly." I sighed against him. "I wanted them to have everything right and so I waited. But now I wish I had just shared the version I like."

“I will admit, your version is better," Colsar said.

"You are only saying that because you must."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Or I will not give you any more babies if you find my nursery rhyme-telling skills insufficient."

He opened his mouth but I interrupted.

"Accuracy and sufficiency are not the same thing."

Colsar looked at me. Then he burst into laughter.

I could not help but stare. I had not seen him laugh in so long.

"Your laugh," I said.

"What about it?"

"I am so glad I get to hear it again."

Fiorakis quieted. Saurin left the room.

"Now bring me my babies," I said firmly.

Colsar stood and pulled on his pants. "I will be right back."

CHAPTER 30

Hope and Sleep

Iheld them for hours.