Raven blinked innocently at his livid grandfather.
"Why wouldn't I?" he asked guilelessly. "You made it very clear that you didn't want me, and there wasn't anyone in two kingdoms who wanted me alive. And then I was accidentally found by the royal children of the Emerald Kingdom, and they saved my life and then they welcomed me not only into their home, but also into their hearts. What reason would I possibly have to turn down their affections? Did I ever receive anything other than pain and humiliation in your home? Did anyone ever show a shred of care or concern for me? If it were you, would you choose to stay with a family that hates you and wants you dead, or a family that loves you and treats you with respect?"
Raven's voice rose up towards the end of his speech, and Mana immediately pulled him even closer to herself, soothing him.
Azar, too, turned back into his small dragon shape and cuddled up with his Mommy and Daddy.
