“It’s about Maddie.”

Anything about Maddie was pressing.

Therefore Apollo crossed his arms on his chest, indication his cousin should proceed.

He did.

“I will preface this by saying that I understand it’s not my place to pry, but Draven told me you, Maddie and the children were getting on well in getting to know each other while you were away. He’s noted now that’s changed and since your return, I’ve seen Maddie often with Élan, never with Chris. He’s your son, Lo, and you have your way with him but I’m surprised you have not yet intervened.” He tipped is head to the side and suddenly asked, “May I ask why Maddie’s still at the dower house?”

Maddie continuing to dwell in the dower house was something Apollo had hoped would change when they returned. Weeks spent in the presence of the children, she had to feel that it was fitting that she move to the main house.

Further, Apollo felt that the more his son saw him with Madeleine, the more accustomed he would become to her, the more he would settle into the knowledge that Maddie was Maddie, not his mother. And also he would see she was important to Apollo and Christophe’s sister and in the end come to the conclusion he should shirk his current behavior and settle into his place in the family Apollo was trying to build.

However, upon their arrival, Madeleine had balked at this, saying it was clear from Christophe’s behavior that he was not ready for it, and Apollo could not disagree with her.

He didn’t like it.

But he didn’t disagree.

Thus it was most definitely time to talk with his son.

And there was more than one reason he wished her in his home and his bed, a reason he had not yet shared with Madeleine.

She had shared greatly about her past life. She had only prodded gently about his.

They would have time for him to share his life, which was nowhere near as complex and heartbreaking as hers. And that time would come after he had all of her.

“It’s precisely that Chris has distanced himself from Maddie that is the reason she’s still at the dower house,” he explained. “She feels the children should be comfortable with her presence and know her well before the manner of our relationship is further defined for them.”

Achilles took a step toward him and stopped, saying, “I think this is wise. However, I also believe the manner of your relationship at this point is relatively clear, or as clear as their ages will allow it to be. Élan thinks the world of her and would benefit greatly with having a lady in the house that is not a servant. But allowing Christophe to act out, even silently, against the relationship you’re building with the woman you intend to wed might not be sensible.”

“Agreed. Thus, Madeleine and I will be speaking to him this afternoon.”

Achilles nodded but his gaze grew intense. “I bring this up, Lo, not only due to what Draven shared about Chris, but also because Alek brought gossip from the village.”

“Bloody hell,” Apollo muttered, knowing exactly what the villagers were saying without having that information imparted.

“It is now known wide that you intend to wed her. But your installing her in the dower house has brought up speculation that I’m sure won’t surprise you. It would not serve you well if Maddie were to hear it without it being in context.”

Apollo grew impatient with their discussion and repeated, “As I said, I’ll be dealing with these issues shortly, Lees.”

Achilles gaze did not lighten. It did the opposite as he asked, “Is Maddie all right?”

Apollo threw him a look before he sighed, leaned into a hand on the back of a chair in front of his desk and noted, “You’re far too observant.”

Achilles smiled a small smile. “You usually find this a boon.”

He did.

Since Achilles knew it, he didn’t confirm it.

Rather, he returned, “I’m uncertain I’m comfortable with the attention you’re paying to Maddie.”

Achilles’s smile died. “You can’t mean to imply—”

Apollo interrupted him. “Of course not. But I can handle my romantic affairs, Lees.”

“I’m aware of that,” Achilles retorted instantly. “But you grow close quickly. Very quickly. And Maddie is in danger.” His expression changed and Apollo braced at witnessing it. “You’ve lost a great deal, Lo.”

“I may have moved past that, cousin, but I do remember it,” Apollo told him.

“Is she sharing with you?” Achilles asked quietly.

“Yes,” Apollo answered.

“Are you sharing with her?” Achilles pressed.

Apollo straightened from the chair and again crossed his arms on his chest. “This is where I’ll put a stop to your prying.”

Achilles ignored that and carried on.

“She seems strong, surprisingly so after all she’s endured. Draven explained that she recovered from the attack very quickly. Yet, since her arrival home, I can’t help but think that something has changed.”

“Again, I’ll repeat that I’ll be dealing with these issues shortly, Lees. And that time would come a great deal sooner if we could end this conversation.”

Achilles studied him and Apollo allowed it.

For three seconds.

Then he uncrossed his arms and moved toward his cousin, stating, “We’re done with this. Let us find Frey.”

He stopped when Achilles put a hand to his shoulder as Apollo would pass him.

“We now live with many unknowns,” his cousin said softly. “For you, Maddie, your children, one less unknown, an important one, the solidity of your family, would be beneficial. Especially for Maddie as this is something she’s never known. She’s adapting to a land that’s very strange to her and doing it well.” His lips quirked. “She’s adapting to you and doing that well also. But with all that has occurred from Vasterhague to Brunskar, she is quite aware of the dangers lurking. She has lived long with dangers lurking, cousin. A foundation such as this, I can only assume, would go a long way to making her feel safe during troubled times.”

Apollo raised his brows. “But a month ago you felt this was moving too fast. Now you’re advising I speed things up?”

“But a month ago you had essentially just met. Now, I’ve seen her smile at you. I’ve seen you make her laugh. I’ve seen her do the same for you. I’ve seen how she is with Élan. She does not hide in the slightest that she feels deeply for you, cousin. For your children. You have all lost a great deal. It’s a beautiful thing, watching you become found.”