章 26: Chapter 26: Reeds, Part 1

Aubrey looked up from glaring at his tea as the door opened, ready with sharp words should his father dare to intrude in his salon, far from certain what to say if Ruthven bothered him - but his mouth closed with a snap as he realized it was only Stregoni.

"You look as though you would like to take someone's head," Stregoni said with cautious humor. "I'm glad you decided not to take mine."

"I want to kill my father," Aubrey said sourly, finishing his tea and pouring more, motioning for Stregoni to help himself.

Stregoni dropped down in the armchair on the other side of the table that held the tea things, propping his feet up on an ottoman, unconsciously mimicking Aubrey's slouched, sulking posture. "Well, that is nothing new. What has he does now?"