Because they didn't do emotions. And yet Lucian did. Was it simply a result of being made less than he was, or were there deeper reasons?
My father was obviously following my thoughts, because he said, "For an Aedh, being less than you were is a far worse fate than being dead."
Which explained the fierceness that drove my father. He wanted domination—particularly over those who had made him less than he was.
"Even as I am, I am far more than Malin and her rabble will ever be." There was no conceit in my father's voice, no hint of boasting in his words. He merely stated a fact as he saw it. From the little I'd seen of the two parties, he did seem the stronger. And he was certainly more cunning.
"Why didn't you warn me that Lucian was an adversary? He's linked sexually to my thoughts, and no doubt tracking your intentions through me."
"As I was tracking his movements and thoughts—and therefore the movements of the dark sorceress he plays with—through you."
I frowned. "Why would you be tracking her movements? She's not the one who took the keys."
"You are sure of this? Because I am not."
"Her energy wasn't the same." It was almost stubbornly said. I knew what I'd felt, and Lauren's energy wasn't what I'd sensed when the key went missing.
So why did she seem familiar to me? I didn't know, and that niggled.
"I still would not erase the possibility that she is involved, especially considering the chrání's liaison with her. Everything he does, he does with intent."
"Like master, like student," I muttered.
"Indeed," my father agreed. "I taught him well."
Too fucking well. And the worst thing was, he was yet another person who was going to create trouble for me in the weeks ahead.
I rubbed my forehead wearily. "Look, you called me here for a reason. What is it?"