“Save the act for someone stupid enough to believe it.”
Leena looked down at the child sleeping against her chest.
“He feeds constantly.”
“He is ten days old.”
“He has Sule’s appetite.”
“And your talent for ignoring good advice.”
Her smile strengthened for half a second before fading.
Rhen heard the change in her breathing.
Saw the slight tremor in the hand supporting the baby.
He crossed the room before he consciously decided to move, stopping several feet from her chair.
“Give him to me.”
Leena’s gaze rose sharply.
“What?”
“You’re shaking.”
“I am not.”
Rhen stared at her hand.
Leena followed his gaze.
Her fingers trembled visibly against the blanket.
“I can hold my own child.”
“I didn’t say you couldn’t.”
“That is exactly what you implied.”
“I said give him to me before your arms fail and you drop the heir.”
Her expression hardened.
“I would never drop him.”
“No. You would tear yourself apart preventing it.”
Silence passed between them.
Rhen extended his arms stiffly, looking as though he would rather face a battlefield than hold a newborn.
Leena studied him.
“You’ve never held a baby.”
“I’ve killed things smaller.”
