A moment of empathy

Julian shook his head slightly embarrassed. He shouldn't have even asked such a question. Too personal for his taste. He didn't know why he even asked. It was better just to leave those feelings locked away. Let it just roll away in a sense. "My apologies for such a personal question." As he spoke, his hands lingered on the spine of a book. The touch of the spine gave him a sense of security. A fidget in a way, to keep his hands focused. "I understand about duty....I wasn't supposed to be heir but now I must take the mantle of my father's place when he is gone." His older brother was diagnosed with a medical condition that would make him not fit to be head of the Third Talon. As much as he didn't want to be head, he knew what needed to be done. 

Julian let go of his fingers on the spine of a book and let it drift down to his side. His hands found purchase in his pockets. A place to hide his own discomfort in dealing with his slight feelings about his mother's death. He listened to the Queen and gave a nod, eventually, his smile came back, fake as it might be, it was still believable coming from Julian. "I appreciate the advice. I'll do my best to work on, letting those feelings roll away."