Cressida wished this conversation could have been done in private, but Van had chosen the place, even knowing that they would be discussing this topic. Still, she wanted to shield his reaction from the view of others. So she fished into her pocket for her charm and whispered words in Ancient Greek, triggering a reasonable but temporary ward that would cause people to unconsciously look another way instead of this direction.
She wasn't quite sure what to do but she stepped forward, reaching down to touch his shoulder. It was a lot to learn. A lot to take in. A lot to accept. To know that what he had was taken from him and it was a sad story. Orphans didn't get a choice, and those orphaned so young . . .