Gabriel nodded, agreeing, but uncertain where to go with this. “Dad… the things Mom said to Nic, they—”

His father held up a hand to stop him. “I know. She told me, and she feels terrible about it.”

Gabriel bit back saying that she should feel terrible. “Then why am I the one who’s supposed to apologize?”

“Because she can’t, and won’t. She’s caught up in feeling guilty. Worried to death about what will become of Selly now. You know, your mother has always blamed herself for Selly turning out off kilter. And she blames herself for your troubles. She knows the magic comes down from her side of the family.”

“Nic thinks it had to be both of you. Recessive traits combining in a happy reemergence of the old powerful magic of the family.”

His father scratched his chin. “Well, could be. I suppose she’d know. That sort of thing isn’t our expertise, unless it’s livestock or orchards.”

“I suspect the principles are the same.”

“Could be, could be,” his father acknowledged. “Come by the house after supper tonight. Apologize so your mother can save face. Let her make it up to you. Don’t let this fester.”

With a sigh, Gabriel nodded agreement. “Nic would like to ask Mom about family gossip regarding the fall of the house and some other things. And maybe by then we’ll have retrieved Selly.”

Another knock came on the library doors. His father stuck his hat on his head. “I’ll get out of your way, as I know you’re a busy man.” He paused as he turned to go. “It’s a fine-looking desk. I didn’t mean anything by it, calling it big and fancy.”

Gabriel smiled. “I know, Dad.” Just as he knew the changes to the house and to his son made the man uncomfortable. But there was no going back. If he’d learned anything from Nic, it was the impracticality of regretting and longing for the past.

His father smiled back, nodding, and opened the library doors, admitting Jadren El-Adrel. “Guess you’re next in seeing his lordship.” GF cackled at his own joke, one Gabriel would find painful if Jadren didn’t look so offended. The pompous High House scion deserved to be unsettled.

Gabriel waited until Jadren closed the doors, then he gestured to the pair of armchairs yet again. “Brandy?”

“Yes, thank you,” Jadren agreed. Though he made a face when Gabriel handed him the snifter. “You know, Phel, if you want to compete with the High Houses, you’re going to have to up the quality of your liquor offerings.”

“If only in that arena,” Gabriel replied, lifting his own snifter in an air toast, “you and Nic are in agreement.”

“An Elal always brings their own level of snobbery to any enterprise,” Jadren said, making it sound as if he was only agreeing with something Gabriel had observed.

Gabriel set his teeth, refusing to be baited. “Is there a reason for this visit? I do have work.”

Jadren nodded easily. “I signed your contract.”