Book Three: Chapter 69

“Well, friends are, um,” it was Beth’s turn to think. “You see, friends are nice to each other because they like each other. Have you ever liked someone before?”

“I like the Lady.” Asterion nodded, pleased that he had an answer.

“And does the Lady like you?”

“Hmm.” Asterion’s brow furrowed again, and Beth did her best not to sigh out loud. She sat patiently next to him while he pondered the question.

“Maybe.” Asterion frowned. “The Lady isn’t mean to me. And she talks to me sometimes, but only to tell me what to do. So I don’t know if she likes me.”

“Well, I like you.” Beth patted him reassuringly on his massive thigh. The muscles in his leg were rock hard, and Asterion looked at where she had placed his hand, a strange look crossing his face. “And if you like me too, then we can be friends!”

“I see.” Asterion contemplated Beth’s hand for several seconds. “So friends like each other.”

“That’s one thing that friends do.” She gave his thigh a