Lyons knew Abby wanted to be independent and her stubbornness was to either welcomed or admired.  He pivoted to face her, "I can see you have no love of Nobles. You are a head-strong woman, Abby, you have a choice to stay as part of House of Lyons or remain as our guest. As our guest, you may stay at the Inn in Seville. I will not force you to attend the ball. I will give you a week to think about this."<br/><br/>He turned facing the nervous teen clutching the mug to his chest, "I trust in time you will not fear me. Lad, in the years to come you will learn to make your own decisions. By the time you are 18 you will be ready for the world and in time know your place in it. Never allow your past define who you are. I will adopt you as my son. Over the next few months, we will spend the time needed to bond. You will be given all the rights and privileges as a nobleman's second son. Indeed you have much to learn and the time needed to achieve them. Together we will find what you do best and hone those skills."<br/><br/>He stepped toward Jasper and swallowed as he remembered his painful past. He stretched his left hand on the piano, "The King sees you as having greatness you have yet to believe. I see much of myself when I look at you. Young, scared, and confident in fighting skills and survival. Untrusting and always on guard. I walked in your shoes.  I once had the comfort of a Noble Healer Mage. She will never leave your side. I know your past will always haunt you. Kate will keep you grounded. Trust your gut, Jasper. Come to me when you are ready to accept your right as a free man. I will see you are given citizenship in the kingdom of your choosing. You will be fighting that gaze as long as you feel unworthy to any man. The truth is are other men worthy of your respect?"<br/><br/>Lyons embraced Kate and turned to the door, "This is a fine family you adopted Kate. Each has their own strengths. I could not be prouder. I bid you all good night and a Happy Winterfest."<br/><br/>Lyons sauntered into the great hall followed by Ann who stopped at the doorway and winked. "Good Night to ya and Happy Winterfest. Ya all did well tonight. These are the best ginger cookies." She entered the hall licking her fingers.<br/><br/>Jon stood and stepped toward Matt, "Well, it was fun while it lasted and good night. See you all at breakfast. Hey Matt, welcome to the family little brother."<br/>Jonn collected Jasper's mug and saucer, "Jasper, Father must like you a lot. Never heard him say anything like that." He gave his mug and saucer to Kate. Kate frowned at him. She handed him her mug and saucer. Jon collected Abby's mug and saucer. "Thanks, Abby I don't suppose there is a smidgeon of a chance you come to the ball so I could dance with you?"<br/><br/>Kate rubbed her temple and gazed at Jasper, "Jon is right. Papa never talked like that to anyone. You do have an inner strength much greater than your outer. She pushed back a strand of his hair with the back of her hand slowly, "You can look at other men's eyes. You are better than most." Kate placed her palm in the center of his chest, "Here is where that strength comes from. You are no killer only forced to. You have a gentle nature and love those closest to you. One day you can say how you feel."<br/><br/>Kate held his hand and stood up. "Let's give them some privacy."<br/>The mage turned her head to look at Mat, he stared straight at her. She held her arm out toward him and motioned for him to come toward her. "Come on were going upstairs. I am sure you have a lot of questions."<br/><br/>Kate stood up and holding Jasper's an and Matt's hand pinkie waved at Jon and Abby in the doorway. She swung her arms and stopped at the base of the stairs. "Both of you did well tonight. I know Papa can scare his own soldiers. You're not in trouble I want you both in my room. Jasper, I want you to turn into your Savannah cat. You need Lovins after all that. Matt, you have a million questions. Both of you please get ready for bed and come to my room."