After blushing severely – both family and romance were not topics Andre was very comfortable or familiar with – he stared back into Deidre’s eyes, still holding her hand. Seeing her and Dumas grow up, he had gotten used to the idea that they were children under his care, but now that was not the case anymore. He was about to tell Deidre a hurtful true that he wished she would never have to find out about.<br/>“Of course it should, dear, of course. Your brother and you deserve the world and you and I both know Dumas can do better. But he has to know that as well. He is now entering a phase when only he can protect himself and, well… For that to work, he must know as much as possible about people. You can’t keep hiding things from him, ok? You may only advise him, since you appear to be wiser when it comes to people. And if, with all the information, he still desires to be with someone like Cheshire, well then… The heart wants what the heart wants. And unfortunately, Deidre, things aren’t always how they should be and first romances sometimes end up badly.”<br/>He stated all of this with the softest voice he could manage, as if his tone would make the truth any less harsh. The moment of silence when they stood awaiting for the light to turn green was like a dark, thick fluid washing down a sink. Following his own advice, he also couldn’t protect Deidre from the facts of life.<br/>“Although I hope you realize the matter of the Queen is not a mere romantic issue. It is dangerous to get involved with her. Both sides have enemies. I’m not telling you to be neutral, hell, your parents were certainly not, but being involved in whatever side of this conflict is delicate. Both Ludovica and Eleanor are dangerous women.”<br/>Suddenly, almost as soon as the light turned green, Andre’s stomach growled loudly. At the same time, he felt a tingle on his hand, were his joker tattoo was. They both knew what that meant.<br/>“Deidre, do you want to keep walking around? A.B. can give you a quick tour, if you’re still curious, but there’s really not much to it. “ He offered, putting a smile back on his face. “But it seems like your brother has tired of this realm already. I feel disturbance in the portals.”