It runs in the family

Kalman sighed, pushing papers around without seeing them. It would always be his father’s library, even though it was his house now. Sitting in the wing-back chair still made him feel like a child playing at his father’s work. But Corentin was gone, and the work was his.

Ysana’s voice broke his concentration. “Papa, you’ll never imagine!” The willowy fifteen-year-old skidded to a halt before him, curls bouncing.

“What will I never imagine?” He smiled despite himself at her flair for the dramatic.

“Halden’s going to fight a duel! And I’ll be his second, isn’t it thrilling?”

Kalman sighed again.