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What would a relationship with Twig look like? Taylor didn’t know, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever get to find out, but he was intrigued. Maybe he could start with that.

There was no way to know if he could ever have what Rune and Palmer shared, but he wouldn’t find out if he didn’t give it a chance, and right now, the only person he was interested in was Twig. The dragon was still in the clinic, and it would take him a little while longer to be allowed out. Maybe Taylor could keep him company in the meantime. Maybe they could get to know each other that way and see what happened once Twig was strong enough to leave.

That sounded like a plan, and Taylor liked plans.

Chapter Four

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TWIG STARED DOWN AT his legs. He really hoped that this time, they’d be strong enough to support him as he took a walk around his room. He’d had enough of sitting in bed and hoping things would get better. It was time for things to actually get better, and thankfully, his mother wasn’t here, which meant she wouldn’t fuss over him standing up too soon.

He was still sitting on his bed. He glanced at the open door, part of him hoping Taylor might peek in. They’d been talking every chance they got, but it still wasn’t enough for Twig. He wanted more talking. He wanted more than talking, too. He just wanted more time with Taylor, which had initially confused him until he’d realized what was happening.

He cringed a little at the thought of having a crush. What would Taylor think if he knew? Would he care? Would he be okay with it? Would he give Twig a chance? Twig had no idea, and he wasn’t sure how to find out.

The best way would be to just ask Taylor outright, but that wasn’t something Twig could do. He cringed at the thought. He was pretty sure Taylor didn’t see him like that. To Taylor, he was just another one of Palmer’s patients. Taylor was talking to Twig because he felt sorry for him, not for anything else.

But part of Twig hoped there might be something else there. His mother would be appalled, especially after the conversation they’d had about him not trusting humans, but as much as he loved his mother, he didn’t care. She wasn’t living his life. He was, and he wanted Taylor in it, be it as a friend or something more.

Twig really hoped for something more.

He couldn’t stop thinking about how Taylor had told Ilias to leave. Most people wouldn’t have. Most dragons definitely wouldn’t have. Maybe it was because Taylor was human and didn’t understand how important council members were, or maybe it was something else. Maybe it was because Taylor cared. Twig didn’t know, and he wouldn’t find out unless he asked.

“You look like you’re contemplating something heavy there,” Taylor said, startling Twig.

Twig looked up. He felt flustered, like always when Taylor was around, but that wouldn’t stop him from talking to the man. “I wanted to get up, but I’m a little scared I’ll fall flat on my face,” he said, even though it wasn’t what he’d been thinking about.

Taylor leaned his shoulder against the doorframe. “Well, if you do fall, I’ll be there to catch you.”

“Really?”

“Of course. It’s my job, isn’t it?”

“Is that why you told Ilias to leave? Because it was your job?”

Taylor got a little frown on his face. It was like he hadn’t expected that question, and he probably hadn’t. Even Twig hadn’t expected he’d ask it. He was curious, though. Was he seeing things, or was there something between them?

“He was bothering you,” Taylor said.

“He was, but he’s a council member. People don’t tell them to leave. They let them bother them.”

“Even when they’re in the infirmary fighting for their lives?”

“Even then. It’s a sign of respect.”

“Well, he should’ve shown you a sign of respect and not bothered you, especially not for the reason he was here.”

Twig didn’t want to think about that right now. “And you’re not afraid he might retaliate?”

“Why would he? I just told him to leave you be. There’s nothing to retaliate for.”

“He wasn’t happy that you told him to leave.”

“But I’m sure he understands that you needed rest. Has he been back? Is that why you’re asking?” Taylor looked around, as if he expected Ilias to be hiding in a corner.

“No, he hasn’t been around.” Which was a good thing, because Twig didn’t need to start worrying about that, too. “I was just curious. I also don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

“Why would it? I don’t think Ilias is going to use it against me. What can he do?”