By the beginning of summer, Theodore had decided walking was no longer an accomplishment.
It was transportation.
This realization created problems for everyone.
The Crown Prince Palace had already been thoroughly secured for a crawling infant, but crawling had at least required Theodore to remain relatively close to the floor. Walking allowed him to reach drawers, low tables, curtains, Boreas's water bowl, and anyone foolish enough to assume that turning their back for several seconds remained safe.
Matthias adapted first.
He began following Theodore with the patient awareness of a soldier escorting an unpredictable dignitary through hostile territory, rarely interfering unless the child actually approached something dangerous.
Dean considered the comparison increasingly accurate.
"He has your confidence," Dean told Arion one morning while Theo crossed the family sitting room with both arms lifted slightly for balance.
"He has your complete absence of caution."
