Shady

“Of course.” She dipped her head. “I’ve got nothing to hide anyhow. Just… hope I’m likable enough to keep around.”

Ky nodded. “He’s got time to grow out of it no doubt. Boys are born but men are made. And he’s got a long time yet to be built up. ...

“Oh.” Her stomach did a little flop. She didn’t like that at all. Maybe she should pretend to struggle when heading up the stairs. Slow things down. “… that’s soon.”

Ky nodded. “Gaius is a good father. Seems wary but invested.”

“Heh. Thanks…” She was sure going to need it, from the sounds of it. “… when do you think it will be?”

Ky cringed sympathetically. She couldn’t imagine working for someone like the two of them… voluntarily. “… which grandson?” Hopefully that wasn’t too cheeky.

“That’s good to know.” Ky nodded, squirreling away the information. Not complimenting him was going to be hard. It was a reflex at this point that Aleth had drilled into ...

“Gaius doesn’t forget,” she said seriously, shaking her head a little. “You passed because you’re delightful. I’m sure of it. Made the cut.”

Ky nodded. “Any tips for when I’m talking with him? I know everyone’s got something that… is best not to do around them.”

Ky smiled a little. “Psh, I’m sure you’ve got the admiration of a score of people here.”

“Oh.” Good, so it was innocent. Unless he was just trying to get a rise out of her. But she’d played it cool so it didn’t matter either way. “… ...

Interesting. Pratik watched him calmly. He definitely needed to read up on Earth magic. Or whatever sort of magic this was supposed to be. He couldn’t very well ask if ...

“… what does that mean?” she asked warily. From context, she assumed he meant just making sure she had everything she needed. But the way he phrased it and the ...

Ky smiled back at him. “As are you. I’m enjoying talking with you.”

Ky took a deep breath and slowly let it out with a nod. “Oh… well, I appreciate that as well.”