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No one could stop them now, except maybe Twig’s mother. She wasn’t particularly happy about Twig getting close to Killian, and she definitely didn’t think he should be sitting on the council, something Twig secretly agreed with. He had no idea what he could offer as a member, but Killian had asked, and Twig wasn’t about to say no.

It would probably be a while before he could do any of it, anyway. That was good, because it would give him some time to find out what a council member actually did. What was expected of him, besides sitting in on council meetings? He would support Killian, of course, but what did Killian expect him to do?

A knock on the door made him look up. His mother had left to get some lunch, and Twig had told her to take a little more time because he was sleepy. He’d mentioned taking a nap, but it had been a lie. He’d just wanted a little bit of freedom from his mother, and he’d gotten it.

Although maybe he shouldn’t have. She would’ve made sure that, whatever the reason the council member standing by the door was here for, he didn’t bother Twig. Instead, Twig didn’t have a choice. He couldn’t exactly tell this council member to leave him alone. They were supposed to be working together, after all.

“Council member,” he said, struggling to get into a sitting position.

The dragon lifted a hand. “Please. I know you’re still not at your best, so stay there.”

Twig hadn’t been planning on going anywhere, but he didn’t want to have this conversation, whatever it was about, while lying flat on his back. He wasn’t as weak as he’d been a few days ago, so he did manage to prop himself up against some pillows. Once he did, he swallowed and watched the council member come closer.

“I’m Ilias,” the dragon said.

“I know.”

His smile was frosty. Had Twig said something he shouldn’t have? Everyone knew who the council members were.

Ilias sat in the chair where Twig’s mother usually settled. He linked his fingers together, and for a second, he just watched Twig. It made Twig want to squirm, but he told himself not to be an idiot. Whatever reason Ilias was here for had to be professional, and Twig was a council member now. He needed to act like one.

“A lot of people were confused when your brother declared that he’d made you a council member,” Ilias finally said.

Twig blinked. “Not as confused as I was.”

“Really? Because some of us thought you’d somehow convinced him to do so. It doesn’t make sense otherwise, does it? You don’t have any experience, and you’re very young.” Ilias looked Twig up and down. “Weak, also, although of course that’s not your fault. How are you feeling?”

Twig didn’t like where this conversation was going, and it had barely started. “I’m still weak, but I’m getting better. Palmer finally found out what the poison was.”

“That’s good to hear. I suppose it’s still going to take you some time to recuperate.”

“Probably, but at least I’ll heal.”

“And once you do, you’ll sit on the council.”

Twig swallowed. He was the first to believe he shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the council. He didn’t think he had anything to offer. Like Ilias had said, he was young and didn’t have any experience. Even though he hadn’t asked Killian for this, he was pretty sure the only reason he was a council member now was that he was Killian’s brother. He didn’t mind, but he knew other people would see it as him manipulating the king.

The thought made him want to laugh. As if anyone could manipulate Killian and his consort.

“Myself and other council members believe you should talk to your brother,” Ilias said. “I’m sure you’ll agree that your presence on the council isn’t necessary and might even be detrimental. You’re just not up for the task, and I’m not saying that to be rude. It’s reality. You need to live a lot more before you can be a council member.”

Ilias said it like it was a matter of fact, and maybe he wasn’t wrong. If Twig was the first person who didn’t believe in himself, why should anyone else?

“I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to interrupt this meeting,” Taylor suddenly said from the still-open door. His gaze was hard as he stared at Ilias. “Twig isn’t allowed visitors. He’s still recuperating.”

Ilias got up from his chair. As a dragon shifter, he towered over Taylor. He was even taller than Twig, and Twig was pretty tall.

But Taylor didn’t seem to care. He planted his feet and squared his shoulders, staring at Ilias as if daring him to contradict him. Maybe he was, and Twig fully expected Ilias to do just that.

Instead, when the council member realized he wouldn’t be able to get Taylor to change his mind even if he stared him down, he turned back toward Twig. “I understand. We can have this conversation once you’re feeling better. Maybe once you’re ready to leave the infirmary and there’s no one who can overhear us. I’ll let you be, then.”

Twig could only nod. He wasn’t sure he would’ve been able to say anything even if he’d tried, and he didn’t. Why should he? It was clear that Ilias had made up his mind about him and that he wouldn’t change it, no matter what Twig said. Twig couldn’t even blame him. His thoughts about himself were pretty similar.

He wasn’t supposed to be a council member. He didn’t know how to be one. He didn’t know why Killian had chosen him. He should pick someone else.

“Are you okay?”

Twig blinked up at Taylor. Ilias had left, so it was only the two of them in the room now. “I’m not sure how to answer that question.”