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That was going to be weird. Taylor wasn’t sure where he’d be assigned once that happened, but it meant that he and Twig wouldn’t see each other as often as they did now. Of course, they didn’t do much even when they did see each other. They’d talked several times, especially late at night, after Willa had left. He really liked Twig, and he hadn’t changed his mind, but he wasn’t quite sure how to go about any of this. Antagonizing Twig’s mother probably wasn’t the best way to start, though.

Usually, Willa ignored Taylor, so he was stunned when this time, she hesitated and nodded at him. He kind of wanted to ask her if she was feeling okay, but he didn’t dare. Whatever was happening, he hoped it was good.

He was even more surprised when, instead of rushing down the hallway, she paused in front of him. She looked down at him, making him feel small, but he lifted his chin and looked back at her.

He had no idea what she was doing, but her presence was enough to make him wonder if it had something to do with Twig. Taylor hadn’t said anything to Twig about how he felt, and he hadn’t been planning to while Twig was still in the infirmary, but maybe Willa knew something about Twig’s feelings. That made Taylor nervous. This couldn’t be good.

“You’re the doctor’s brother,” Willa said.

Taylor nodded. “I am.” It wasn’t a secret. Everyone at the castle knew he was Palmer’s brother. Most dragons didn’t care. They were intrigued by humans, but they were happy to let Taylor and Palmer live their lives. Willa had a problem with them, though. Maybe she was about to yell at Taylor for just being in the hallway. From what Taylor knew of her, he wouldn’t put it past her.

“Your brother found out what happened to my son,” Willa said.

“He did.”

“I know I wasn’t easy to deal with while my son was ill. I’ll apologize to your brother when I have the opportunity, but I was terrified. Twig is my only son, and I have no other family. I thought I was going to lose him.”

Great. Now Taylor felt guilty about not being kinder to her. “Palmer understands,” he said. “He’s been a doctor for many years. He’s had to deal with plenty of patients and their families.” He smiled at her. “My name is Taylor.”

“I know. My name is Willa.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure you know you can find my brother in the infirmary whenever you feel ready to talk to him.”

Willa kept staring at Taylor, making him wonder what was happening. He hadn’t expected any of this, and it made him wary. It felt like it might be a trap, even though he couldn’t see how or why.

“Even though your brother is human, he never stopped trying to help my son. He eventually found a solution. I’ll never be able to thank him enough, or to thank you for protecting my son.”

“It’s our job, and there hasn’t been anything to protect your son from. No one has tried to get to him since he got here.”

“But if someone had, you would‘ve stepped in. You care.”

Taylor couldn’t say it was just a job, because he did care about Twig. Their late-night conversations had been enough for him to realize that. He couldn’t say that to Willa, though. He didn’t want her to take it the wrong way—or even the right way—not when he hadn’t talked to Twig yet. He wasn’t sure if there was anything going on between them, and it would be useless bringing it up to Twig’s mother before he could be sure.

“I care about innocent people being hurt,” he confirmed. “And that includes your son. I’m glad he’s doing okay.”

“Me too.” Willa watched Taylor a few moments longer. It felt like an eternity. Then, abruptly, she turned around and left the infirmary without adding anything else. Taylor watched her go, still puzzled. What had just happened? He didn’t know, and he was afraid to ask, which was why he hadn’t. It felt like something had happened, though.

Should he mention it to Twig? Twig was the only one who’d be able to explain his mother’s behavior, but at the same time, he was still stuck in an infirmary bed. Taylor didn’t want to corner him, especially when it came to Twig’s mother.

No, it was probably better for him to stay silent. Whatever was on Willa’s mind, Taylor suspected that if she wanted Twig or anyone else to know, she’d make sure they did.

* * * *

TWIG SMILED WHEN PALMER walked into his room. He’d been sitting up in bed, reading something on his phone, but he put it away.

He was starting to get cabin fever. Now that he felt better, it was hard to be stuck in this bed, but both Palmer and his mother would have kicked his ass if he’d tried leaving it, especially on his own. He’d taken Palmer up on it a few times when it had been too much for him, and Palmer had brought a wheelchair, but it hadn’t been the same. As much as Twig enjoyed spending time with Palmer and Taylor, he wanted to go home. He wanted to go back to normal life. He felt good enough now that he thought it might be a possibility soon.

“How’s my favorite patient?” Palmer asked with a smile.

“Am I your favorite patient?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t be saying it if you weren’t. How are you feeling?”

“Good. I still feel a little wobbly sometimes, but I’m sure it’ll fade.”

“It will, now that you’ve started eating normally again. Give it a few weeks.”

“Well, I’m not planning on running around the palace anytime soon.”