I don't believe it myself, most days. The elven guards assigned to me are annoyed. Getting away from them long enough to come here was a nightmare.

[ As for Mercy, who has her thumb in her mouth - Royce looks down at her the same way he imagines Alfie looks down at his own daughter. He's quiet for a moment. ]

She looks like her mother. [ Royce murmurs, tucking Mercy's hair back behind her ear. ] Never thought I could love something like I do her. Think you might know how that feels.