The King replied calmly, “Since you started acting like a child.”

“Oh wow, since I started acting like a child.” Bruce repeated. He let out a near-tearful laugh. “And how exactly have I been acting like a child? How, exactly, have I behaved like a child, Father?”

“Since you chose to neglect your duties as heir and follow after your friends,” his father replied calmly, his fingers still tapping slowly against the table.studying Bruce.

Bruce felt anger surge through him—hot and ...