She looked distinctly embarrassed, and August felt — a little bad. Only a little, because protecting Lysander was his top priority — he'd made a promise — but still. Her assumption had been right, and he had had to correct her, but he wished that she didn't look so embarrassed about it.

"Thank you, I suppose," August said, trying for a smile. "Lysander's lived with me since his infancy, so — I suppose I'm like a father."

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