Chapter 80

The hall was cold, even though the fireplace was loaded with wood and burned relentlessly.

"Hey," he called out to a maidservant, who ran to him. "Get me a fur sweater."

"Right away, sir," she said and sprinted off. He loved servants who carried their duty with a run. Not those who would saunter as though it was they who paid the house.

He looked across the table and saw her seated already. Her husband wasn't in the seat yet.

"Hey, Ethan," she called. "Come, my baby."

"I'm not your baby," he wanted to say to his mother, but it would change nothing. So had things been. And he had no power whatsoever to change it.

"Hi, mom," he said.

"Your face looks like shit, why?" She spread her arms for a hug. She had a celebratory mood about her.

"Nothing," he mumbled, taking the hug, and pulled away.

"Have a seat beside me." She was beaming. "What do you want to have for dinner?"

"It's too late for dinner, I've had some snacks."

"Nonsense!" she cried. "You must have a befitting dinner."

"I tho