"You are very dreamy," the Duke said finally. "Grand Mage at your age. That would be a first in recorded history."
"It would," Julian agreed simply. He let Kraven's mouth form a quiet smile. "It sure would."
He held the Duke's gaze for a moment, then tilted his head slightly.
"But I'm certain that isn't what brought you here."
The Duke looked at him.
He was silent for a long moment.
When he finally spoke, his voice was measured and careful as if he had prepared for this countless times in advance.
"Yes." A pause. "Have you changed?"
He stopped. Something moved across his face—a brief hesitation.
"I mean," he continued, "your thoughts. About your mother. And your sister."
Julian didn't answer immediately.
He looked down for a moment, as if he were thinking it through. In truth, he was pulling from Kraven's memories carefully, finding the perfect way to answer the question.
Then he looked back up.
