<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ccff">Lucian looked from one twin to the other, seeing the resignation in their eyes as they accepted their fate.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff"> “Splendid! Then let’s get out of here you two. Places to go, things to do.”</span> He let go of Ayla’s shoulder and gave them both a look.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff"> “Now then, no funny business. While you are with me you represent me. I will not tolerate any actions that would embarrass me or make someone think less of me and mine.”</span> He went to leave, then stopped and walked back to the coward hiding behind his desk. Lucian put his face right up near Gadriel’s and his voice dropped so low, and he used a small bit of magic to help the effect, that it felt like it was vibrating through his skull more than being heard by his ears. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">“And one more thing. I will be personally collecting from you for the foreseeable future. If there is one piece missing, including what you would normally be allowed to skim, I will hang one of your other three children up by their hair and flay them alive as a message for anyone else that gets a bit to greedy. Maybe I can get the youngest to sing like a canary, I’ve heard she has great talent.”</span></span>