"It's okay if you are," Magnus says. "I'm being Middle Ground Guy, even though Claudius is, like, my bamboo. I know it sucks for both of you that I'm listening to Luo Binghe and his, like, feelings or whatever." He leans against Galahad. "I think it's necessary. I want Claudius to not have to be scared. I'm trying to -- fix things." His chin wobbles. Something good should come of all this, he adds.