*Theo*

I’d touched her.

I’d touched the girl, Ciana, and she hadn’t pulled away from me. She wasn’t afraid, nor did she seem disgusted by me.

“Here you are, Father,” I said, giving my dad the book that he’d requested. “If you would be more comfortable working in your own office, I can have whatever books you require brought to you.”

“Nonsense,” the king said, taking the book. “I am quite enjoying seeing my son with such a ...