CYNRIC observed Valentine as he told him they should not meet for a while. He saw the hurt flash across his face first, which Cynric had expected. Then he saw confusion, followed by a flicker of relief. But now, Valentine looked frustrated, even angry and deeply sad. Cynric could understand the first reaction, and maybe even the second and third. But the rest of it? He was at a complete loss.
This was especially confusing because Valentine only showed this reaction after Cynric told him that he and Wulfric had made up.
"Are you... not happy that my brother and I reconciled?" he asked, his voice hesitant and unsure.
"No, no, of course not!" Valentine quickly said. "I'm just..." He paused and then let out a bitter laugh. "Let's just say I feel useless."
Now Cynric was more than confused. "Why?"
