Leaves of Revolution by Breeana Puttroff Read Free Book Online Page A

from another world.”
    “I’ll let you think about that statement for a moment, son. But I will tell you that I never demanded William and Quinn live here in this world to be together. If Quinn hadn’t decided to pursue her throne, I’m nearly certain William would have stayed in the other world with her. I would have hated it, but I would have given them my blessing.”
    “Oh, right.” Zander stood and walked over to the fire again, staring into the flames for a long moment. Finally, he turned to look at Stephen. “You know, the one thing I was supposed to get out of this whole mess was not having to worry about listening to a father.”
    Stephen laughed out loud. “Life rarely gives us the things we think we’re supposed to have. More often, we have to learn how to use what we get.”
    “I’m learning that.”
    “You really are a wonderful young man, Zander. I do hope I get to know you better over time. Now… for more fun topics. We were planning on celebrating our last day all together with a game of crumple in the gymnasium, and would love for you to join us.”

~ Six ~
Crumple
     
    “SEE, SAMUEL, THERE’S YOUR mother,” Thomas said, propping the infant against his chest, facing out. “She’s about to get the ball away from your father. He never sees her coming. Or maybe he just doesn’t look. There! She’s got it. Go Mama! Go!” He waved Samuel’s little fist as Quinn ran toward the goal, and lifted him into the air as she moved the ball past Max and scored.
    Quinn caught Thomas’ eye and grinned, waving at him and Samuel.
    “Be careful with him,” a voice admonished.
    Thomas settled the baby back in his lap and looked up. “Hello Sophia. I was hoping you would come out to join us. I’m glad you decided to.”
    “I still haven’t had much of a chance to see my great-grandson. I wanted to see him asleep in his cradle this morning, but apparently the new security measures mean that even the queen’s grandmother needs special consent to enter her chambers, and she wouldn’t answer the door. I don’t even know what all this ridiculousness is about.”
    It was harder this time, but he forced a warm smile. “Well, he’s wide awake and happy now. Would you like to hold him?”
    “Yes, thank you. You’re the first one who’s actually offered.”
    Ignoring the fact that he knew she’d held the baby this morning after an offer from William, he adjusted Samuel’s hat and secured the warm knitted blankets before passing him carefully over to Sophia. “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?”
    “Yes. He reminds me a little of Nathaniel when he was a baby. Of course, I was hoping he’d get Quinn’s hair, but this color is nice, too.” She pulled the hat down further, almost to Samuel’s eyes, to which the baby objected with a squawk. “Do you think he’s cold? It’s a little chilly in here.”
    Thomas reached over and ran his finger up the baby’s cheek, surreptitiously pushing the edge of the hat back up, and then dug inside the blankets to feel Samuel’s hands. The infant quieted immediately at his uncle’s touch. “He feels nice and warm. I think he’s okay.”
    For a couple of minutes, everything was peaceful as Sophia held Samuel on her lap and smiled and cooed at him. Her whole face softened, and her eyes sparkled as she looked at the baby.
    Then she lifted him up close to her chest, holding his head against her shoulder. Samuel immediately began to screech.
    “He doesn’t really like to be held that way,” Thomas said gently.
    “Nonsense. All babies like to be held close. It makes them feel secure. Quinn should be holding him like this all the time.” She stood up with him, wrapping her arms more securely as she – almost imperceptibly – swayed on her heels.
    Samuel cried harder.
    “Maybe he’s hungry,” she said. “I could take him to the kitchens.”
    “He’s too little for food.” Thomas was having a hard time keeping his hands from reaching out and snatching