Was that him? Was that Avery? The significant look and the "under my protection"? He sat up a little straighter, focused on Apollo now, occasionally glancing at Erato where she hummed softly to herself and dabbed up crumbs from her skirt.
"That is generous," Avery said respectfully, feeling a bit buzzy. "I- I want you to know that I don't share certain peoples'... reservations. I want to see the honest truth."