I was at a loss for words. How was I supposed to motivate someone so utterly defeated? I had only taken one abnormal psychology class in college but it was glaringly obvious that the male lead of this novel was depressed.
I had no room to judge. Being shunted to the side and isolated the way he had would be more than enough to damage the psyche of a child.
His natural tendency to give up and run away without trying, on top of his overall apathy, were the clearest signs based on what I had read. I wasn't cut out for this.
"Only because you let him," I said firmly.
Buck up, buttercup! You're the hero of this story! The Alpheus in the novel was far more capable than he originally believed.
"You aren't the only one who doesn't like Sigmund. If enough people worked together there's no way he would be able to get what he wants."
Al seemed surprised by my words. "I thought you didn't want to be involved in palace politics."
