Chapter 22

Charles closed his eyes, unable to move. “Ask the men under my command.” He waited for the crushing pain and waves of sickening guilt. There was pain, and there was guilt, but not as strongly. It didn’t threaten to suck him under as it usually did. He waited for Harry to ask him to explain. He didn’t know if he could.

“You lost men?”

Charles nodded.

“Men that you were close to?”

Charles screwed his eyes shut and nodded again.

Harry’s cheek was next to his own. “It was a war, sweetheart.”

Charles crumbled a little at the endearment. He leaned into the embrace and allowed himself to be held. Allowed himself to be comforted for the first time. Harry kissed his temple, and Charles straightened before he ended up weeping again.

“Come. Let’s find the boy.” His voice was rough.

Harry let him go, and Charles swiped at his eyes with his fingers and sniffed. God, he was turning into a watering pot.Chapter 13