Domitian frowned. There was something that Nico didn't want to tell him, and his first instinct was to try and ferret it out of him, but he stopped himself. What if this was his son trying to take his advice? If he'd realized that speaking wasn't wise, if it would make him look stronger to stay silent, Domitian ought not to say anything. This was what he was trying to teach him, after all — that it didn't pay to let people in, and instead he should keep everyone at arm's length. If it stung to find that he was included in that, it was only the fault of his own sentimentality; Nico was doing exactly as he'd advised him.

"Alright," he said simply, and moved to leave.

You can do it, Nico, he thought to himself. You're stronger than you think.

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