Page 26 of Hateful Prince

Cain: Not particularly. I just had a bone to pick with him.

Dr. Masterson: About?

Cain: Nothing that concerns you, Doc.

Dr. Masterson: Oh, I don’t know about that. Everything that upsets you concerns me.

Cain: I’m not upset.

Dr. Masterson: No? Then why is my favorite pillow currently smoldering?

>

Cain: Shit. Sorry about that.

Dr. Masterson: You’re clearly not doing well. Tell me why you’re so out of sorts.

>

>

Cain: *heavy sigh* Can you please let him in here? He’s my emotional support Asshole.

Dr. Masterson: *choked laugh* You have become very attached to him. But no. He chewed the leg of my antique table the last time he was here.

Cain: I’d say he was better behaved these days, but it’d be a lie. He does and says whatever the fuck he wants.

Dr. Masterson: Says? He speaks to you?

Cain: How much trouble am I in if I say yes?

Dr. Masterson: Trouble? Why would you be in trouble?

Cain: Only crazy people talk to dogs.

Dr. Masterson: *snorted laugh* If that’s the case, most of my family would be categorized that way, then. Talking to animals isn’t unheard of in our world, Cain. He’s your familiar. Of course it stands to reason he’d be able to communicate with you. Has he told you anything that helped you recall your past?

Cain: Did you miss the part when I told you he says whatever he wants? Usually he just insults me. Pretty sure he doesn’t know the meaning of the word useful.

>

Cain: Oh, can it. You know I’m right.

Dr. Masterson: So he’s more a nuisance than anything?

>

Cain: I named him Asshole for a reason, Doc.

Dr. Masterson: Fair enough. Well, it would seem you’ve been making all sorts of progress then. Your powers are growing, your relationship with your familiar is deepening. What other changes have there been recently?

Cain: What do you mean?

Dr. Masterson: Well, to what do you attribute these changes? A certain writer, perhaps?

Cain: What does Dahlia have to do with anything?

>

---