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“Sometimes.”

“More than she listens to me.”

Ria considered that for a moment. “I talk to her.”

“I talk to her.”

“No.” She smiled knowingly.

His brow furrowed. “No?”

“You give her commands.”

“I—”

“‘Sit here.’ ‘Do this.’ ‘Don’t touch that.’” She mimicked his deep voice with surprising accuracy. “‘The couch.’”

“Do I sound like that?” Asterion grimaced.

“Pretty much.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Is it really that obvious?”

“The fact that you’re making it up as you go?”

He sighed. “That obvious, huh?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

“I’ve never had children.” He let out a resigned huff.

“I know.”

“I’ve never even spent much time around them.”

“Obviously.”

“I don’t have the faintest idea what I’m doing.”

“No, really?”

He looked at her suspiciously. “You’re enjoying this.”

“A little.” She softened before he could take offense. “But you’re also doing something right.”

“I am?” His eyebrows lifted.

“Korinnae feels safe with you.”

The words caught him off guard.

“Children are surprisingly good at figuring out who makes them feel safe,” Ria continued. “She knows you’ll protect her. She trusts you completely.”

He looked down at the desk. “I just wish she’d listen.”

“Those aren’t always the same thing.”

Silence settled between them for a moment before she continued.