Shady

“… well… you got her out once you knew…”

“I like singing,” Talia said, thinking for a moment. “And looking at art. And listening to music.”

Ky was quiet, really not sure what to say to that. She’d been trying to convince herself that Tomhas hadn’t known. That he couldn’t have known or he wouldn’t have ...

Talia smiled a little more and dipped her head. “…do you have any suggestions, then?”

Ky hesitated, not sure how to answer that. Was he still upset about Viol, then? “… You were… just trying to protect us.”

“Oh… I wouldn’t want to waste anyone’s time, ma’am.” She shook her head but smiled a little. “I’m easily contented.”

“You’re not a bad father.” She furrowed her brow at him, not taking her hand away but pausing in her circles.

“… I think that’s about it.” Talia glanced up. “That I’m aware of so far, anyway. I’m happy to help however else I can, though.”

“I agree.” She nodded, still rubbing his back.

Talia resisted the urge to ‘yes ma’am’ again and instead dipped her head. “I’ll… try to keep that in mind.”

She nodded as well. “…He’s just a pathetic old man who knows his kids hate him.”

“Yes ma’am.” Talia forced herself to take a deep breath and risked a quick glance up then looked away again. “I’m sure you know him well.” Still seemed risky. Didn’t ...

Ky glanced over at him and rubbed his back gently. “He’s dead, now. He can’t hurt you anymore.” At least not if Ky would stop fucking up. She needed to ...

“…yes ma’am.” She dipped her head, not looking up as she bundled more of the herbs together, face still warm.

Talia’s eyes went wide and she glanced away quickly, blushing. What was this lady doing? Slandering nobles? This was how you ended up on the chopping block. And Talia wanted ...