Spiro's fingers tightened around the book. "Is it connected to the children?"
For a moment, the study became quiet.
The boy looked small standing before the desk, but there was nothing small about his eyes. They were too sharp, too aware, and too burdened for a child who should have been complaining about bitter medicine or stealing sweets from the pantry.
I disliked it.
I disliked the people who made him this way even more. Once the Crown Prince's issue is done and we're back to Sonomi, their reckoning will start.
"It may be," I answered.
William shifted slightly, probably because he expected me to dismiss the child entirely.
I did not.
Spiro had already been dragged into this matter by fate, blood, and whatever past he still hid in his chest. Treating him like a fool would only teach him to hide more.
I had no interest in raising a liar who lied to me.
Lying to others was acceptable.
Lying to me was not.
"How?" Spiro asked.
