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I flick his arm. “Stop showing off.” Not only will he drain his magic too fast, but it’ll give him away. “Few can wield power like that—you’re an aklo, remember?”

I wrangle an arm around his waist and hold tight.

Quin raises an eyebrow.

“Use me as a crutch. There are spare canes at home—not as fancy as yours, but they’ll lend support.”

He presses his lips together but drops his weight against me, solid and warm. I fight to keep my steps steady.

“Better,” I croak.

“You’re trembling.”

“You’re heavy,” I fling back, cheeks burning as I tighten my grip. His warm breath brushes against my temple, and I hobble harder the hundred yards to my home.

I locate a cane in the darkened storeroom and Quin grips onto it. I spare a minute to squabble with him about using his flutette against the pain throbbing from him, and in the end, he lets me win.

I stuff the wood into his mouth and offer him a patronising “good boy, your majesty” that has his eyes flashing.

I am a fool. Still, I can’t help laughing.

The main hall is brightly lit and drunken chatter leaks through the thin walls. I glance at Quin before we enter, and shake my head. “Can you slouch more?”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re too... regal. Straight-backed. A commanding presence is...”

“Enviable?”

“Un-aklo-like.”

He shrivels around his cane and I lead us into a warm room stuffy with the scent of ale. My brothers are huddled at one end of the table, throwing cards on a pile, and my father sits in an armchair in front of the fireplace, deep in thought.

They glance up, my brothers first, and then my father when they call my name in startled surprise.

Father stands, gaze cutting over the room towards me and Quin. A wave of confusion and relief crashes through him, making his shoulders droop. He steps in our direction but stops himself, forcing a small nod instead.

I gesture Quin towards the table and take a seat beside him, my father watching my every move like he’s not sure what he’s seeing is real.

“The king awarded me one night at home.”

My brothers lift up their glasses and welcome me back with pointed glances at Quin.

I clear my throat. “He’s my aklo for the evening. He’s... part of the reward.”

“Reward?” my eldest brother asks.

I preen. “His majesty was most effusive in his praise.”

My brothers laugh rambunctiously while under the table, a hand covers my knee and pinches. I prod Quin’s fingers off me. “Where’s Akilah?”

The door flings open and little feet scurry into the room. Lucetta latches onto her father, giggling. “I want to stay up.”

Akilah falls through the open doorway, flushed from running. “Lucetta,” she gently chides. “You’re supposed to be in bed—”

Akilah spots me and gasps. “Cael?”

Lucetta flicks her head around and squeals. Within seconds, I have her arms around my neck as she climbs onto my lap. “Uncle Cael, you’re home!”