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“And?”

“It’s training.”

“I know.”

“It isn’t meant to be fun.”

Ria sighed. “I think you’re missing the point.”

“No.” He shook his head. “It’s something I can teach her. She should know where she comes from.”

“And I agree.” She held up a hand before he could continue. “But that doesn’t mean everything you do together has to be a lesson.”

“It should have purpose.”

“It does.”

“What purpose?”

She looked at him as though the answer were obvious. “Joy.”

Asterion opened his mouth and then closed it again.

Ria couldn’t help smiling. “She’s ten, Asterion.”

“I know she’s ten.”

“Then let her be ten once in a while.”

He leaned back in his chair, completely at a loss. “I don’t know what ten-year-olds do.”

“Yup.”

“They don’t teach that in warrior training.”

“I’m shocked.”

He ignored the sarcasm. “So, what am I supposed to do?”

Ria rested her chin on her hand. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “Bake cookies. Go fishing. Build a fort. Race each other. Tell stories. Have her teach you something.”

“Teach me?”

“Why not?”

He considered it and then immediately dismissed it. “I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.”

“No, shit.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel better?”

“No,” she grinned. “But it’s a very good place to start.”

She studied his face. “I’m glad I don’t have to zap you right now.”

He looked up. “What?”

“You were actually listening.”