"I'm not surprised you care about her." His brother smiled faintly. "I'm surprised you admitted it that quickly. When you first got married, I could see your fear, though you tried to hide it. That was why mum overreacted a little."
Atheline looked away slightly. Except for occasional letters, he hadn't spoken to his parents and his words brought home the nostalgia.
"I didn't know it was that noticeable."
"It was entertaining to watch and it worked out for the best anyway. I mean, look at you," he gestured up and down at Atheline with his eyes," you've grown even taller. What do you eat around here?"
"Stop it. Don't even think about it."
"You're really something else, you know that," Helther said.
"What?"
"You used to be this cute little thing following around me but now here you are all big and married to a woman who threatens kingdoms casually. Your standards for cruelty have also become questionable."
