[Tony held her when she let him, though he still was left in the dark about far too much. What just happened here? He had no idea what parts she agreed with or disagreed with or if she understood what he'd meant- well, he could tell she got enough to cause this reaction.

Even as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her brow, he battled with himself over what to do next. Except, there was at least one part he knew exactly how to respond to.]

Always, sweetheart. Always. We're family. I lied before. It's not for just twenty minutes, but whenever and however you might need me, if I'm at all able, I'll be here for you, Pyra.

[Reggie could suck it. A girl needed a dad and a father-in-law and the king only got to be one of those. When there was a wedding, they could mud wrestle over the specifics.]