In the morning.
The five older brothers had already gathered before breakfast to speak to Nathan.
"We can do this. Please don't raise your voice. He's really tough," Malvin warned Alexander. He knew the man could be very rigid and unfeeling.
Alexander said nothing. They walked to Nathan's room. He knocked on the door.
His brothers behind him stood like a small army, though they lacked their usual confidence. They held their breath, prepared for screaming, thrown objects, or a slammed door.
When the doorknob turned, Nathan appeared.
He looked impossibly calm. His eyes were clear, his hair was neatly combed, and his expression was neutral.
He didn't even look angry.
"Well," Alexander began, his voice a bit stiff. "We need to talk to you."
Nathan's gaze swept over his brothers. He saw the genuine seriousness on their faces. They were here to negotiate; he knew that.
Nathan stepped back and opened the door wide, gesturing for them to enter.
