Olivier ducks his head to hide his smirk. He loves his brother more than anyone in the world, nearly, but he’s a maddening boy who speaks more than he thinks, with a penchant for accidental cruelty. “Thomas never allows for a dull moment,” he agrees dryly. “Even when you wish for one.”

“You like books.” Perhaps there is a chance that she will at least be well-read, not quite the shadow she appears.