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Tori’swould be a little more involved, since he’d been somewhat trained by his clan But Baldewin suspected that Tori feared more rejection and disappointment like he’d suffered at the hands of his teachers

“It won’t be that bad,” Baldewin murmured

“But what if…what if she changes heron potions What if she doesn’t care for how I cast spells? What if she decides that I’ a part of the Burkhard Clan?”

Baldewin gently cupped the side of Tori’s face, lifting it so their eyesskills She has a strong idea of what you can do She’s not going to change heris as much for you as it is for her and the clan”

“Maybe, but—” Tori started, but Baldewin lightly brushed his thumb across Tori’s lips

“And second, you are a e of Burkhard There’s no proving yourself to win your way in or hold your spot”

Tori’s eyes narrowed skeptically Grabbing Baldewin’s wrist, he pulled the dragon’s hand away froot to do what is best for the clan”

“Yes, and if you’re a happy, well-trained, well-adjusted er”

Tori’s worried look dissolved sloith each passing second until he gifted Baldeith a crooked s tightly in Baldewin’s heart

“You can’t help it, can you?” Tori inquired

“Help what?”

“You can’t help being wonderful Everything you do and say is just wonderful”

Baldewin couldn’t hold it in any longer Reaching over, he wrapped an arm around Tori’s waist and pulled the smaller man into his lap so he could properly nuzzle his neck A surprised yelp escaped Tori, but he was soon snuggling closer,happy little noises that were a balm on Baldewin’s weary soul

“Do not rue”

Without lifting his face fro by their table Her eyes were atte back a smile