Of course he felt broken. Part of his heart was missing. He looked so miserable, Joanna's heart hurt for him and it was maternal instinct had her reach out to rub his back, only stopping herself halfway there. Five months here and he still wore his armor everywhere, and he was drunk. Unexpected touch could trigger defensive habits.

"Growing up, they were inseparable. My little wild ones," she began, watching his eyes to see if the contact would be welcome. "Frederick was the older, by a few minutes, and he never let Freya forget it. He was every bit as protective as any big brother could be, too."