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Lucas trekked to Hunter's nursery. He was reminded by his brother that he should probably go and check up on him. Regularly. Preferably daily.
Belos wasn't... displeased, not exactly, as if he expected Lucas to be difficult. But he wasn't happy either. Was he being difficult? He thought that handing the responsibility down to the scout would be good enough. He seemed to know what he was doing and they didn't need to drag Hunter around the castle. They can sit in their nursery, go on little walks, and be left alone in peace.
But apparently, he wasn't doing things to a satisfactory degree.
Belos seemed disappointed in him 'passing him down'. He didn't do that, Lucas wanted to defend himself, but he knew better.
After all, he didn't know the first thing about babies, and he knew even less about Grimwalkers. So what was he supposed to do?
Check-in, apparently.
So here he was, checking in. Like the good, responsible Golden Guard he was, despite him having better things to do.
The nursery door was open to a crack.
Lucas was instantly annoyed.
He stormed in, ready to tell the scout to be more attentive. Instead of Graham, he finds Hettie Cutburn rocking Hunter in her arms.
His blood turned to ice. But before he could collect himself and demand to know why she was there, she spoke first.
"Good morning, Golden Guard," she said in an even tone as if she wasn't caught trespassing. "Here to check on the child?"
Lucas felt his anger rise. He wasn't in a good mood. First, he had to stop a duel between scouts, then he was lectured by his brother about 'neglecting his responsibilities' and on top of that, breakfast was awful. And now his already short temper was going to be tested by having to entertain Hettie Cutburn, the second in command of the Healing Coven.
The first thing he wanted to do was the send her on her way. He was the Golden Guard, after all. But he bit his tongue. The Emperor was already short with him, and if words got back to him, Lucas didn't know what he would do.
"Yes, well," Lucas said. "He is my responsibility after all."
"Yes, of course," Hettie turned back to Hunter. "His nanny wanted to know how he was doing."
"I was meant to get around to that."
"Then it's lucky I am here, isn't it?"
Lucas glanced at Hunter. The baby seemed to be enthralled by the strange new person. Lucas wasn't sure if he even noticed that he entered the room.
A terrifying thought entered Lucas' mind.
Did she know?
Hunter wasn't a witch, no matter how much he looked like one - no matter how much he looked like Lucas. He came from the ground, he watched with his own two eyes as he crawled his way out and was lifted into his brother's arms, cradled like it was the most normal thing in the world. Just how much was his Grimwalker nature detectable?
"I won't be bothering you for long," Hettie continued still rocking Hunter, making the baby coo quietly. "I already did my examination. I will be back with the paperwork, however. Your signature would be needed."
Lucas nodded curtly. "Of course," he said biting back his bitterness. "Thank you for your work."
"Only, there was something I noticed."
Lucas tightened his grip on his staff.
"What might that be?" he asked, tone more neutral this time. "Is it concerning?"
Hettie hummed. "It could be. It appears that poor little thing doesn't have a bile sack."
"...Are you sure about that?"
She nodded. "I am certain," she said. "I ran the test multiple times, I couldn't quite believe it myself. But feel free to ask for second opinions," she continued. "In cases like these, it is recommended."
"That won't be necessary," he curtly interjected. "I trust your opinion," he quickly added just to be on the safe side,
Hettie gave him a long silent look. It was impossible to read her expression with that eye cover, but Lucas couldn't complain, not with his mask firmly attached to his face.
"It is still advisable," she said. Then handed the baby over. Lucas took him.
Hettie took her leave.
Lucas looked down at Hunter, he looked back up at him. What was he supposed to do now?