“And there will be some growing pains during your first few transfigurations,” he explained. “Nothing unbearable, as I understand it. But it will likely feel uncomfortable, at the very least.”
“I know, sir,” he said. Then when the king started to correct him, “Whelk. Lily and I have been talking about them.”
The king studied him for several long moments. Quince forced himself not to squirm under the scrutiny.
“These are changes and inconveniences you are willing to accept?” the king finally asked.
Quince nodded. “Yes.”
Whelk’s expression softened, which only made Quince more nervous.
“And have you decided what you will tell your mother?”
Quince opened his mouth to answer and then immediately closed it. He didn’t know the answer to that question.
He had expected the others—about wh
