“I wouldn’t have waited,” Galen muttered. “Yes, but, then again, you’re no gentleman, brother,” Eryx laughed.”

“Galen poked Eryx on the shoulder three times. “Brother, if you feed the cats, they’ll keep coming back. Please. I beg you. Stop.” Bill and Andy broke out in laughter. I bit my bottom lip to keep from smiling at Galen’s rude, yet humorous remark. Jean and Marie took half a turn and walked away.”

“And did you have to hack his arms off?” “Yes, I did. He wouldn’t go through the door.” “You say it like you’re proud of it."I was proud of it. It was an example of quick thinking in a difficult situation.”

“You’re a gentleman,” they used to say to him. “You shouldn’t have gone murdering people with a hatchet; that’s no occupation for a gentleman.”

“Sorry,” I muttered. “Just because you’re an asshole doesn’t mean I have to be a bitch.”

“Violet heard the coughing and came running back. She sank down on the bench beside Rose, putting her arm around the older girl and holding a handkerchief to Rose's lips. "What happened?" she asked Galen, her tone just shy of being accusatory."I am so sorry, Your Highness," Galen said, backing away. "I made her laugh, and–""You made her laugh?" Violet's eyes widened. "She hasn't laughed in weeks!" She smiled at Galen and gave Rose's shoulders a little squeeze.”