Tseng watches Rufus as they journey into the room. He does not have to check to ensure the sheets are up to standard; his men do not make mistakes. Everything will be cleaned as if it never was.

Automatically, he holds his hand out for Rufus to take, to stabilize him as he slips into bed. He draws the covers down and tucks the cool sheets around his shoulders. And then he stands for a moment, looking at Rufus, curled in his bed and blue eyes gleaming. He is as beautiful as he is powerful—no one could ever aspire to match these two enviable gifts that are his birthright.

"You will never be your father," he says. "You will never be like anyone, because there is no one like you in this world."