There was a certain lull to Alcuin's tone, one that made him absolutely want to tell him who had sent it. It was the unspoken promise that telling him that would mean making his brother happy- and honestly, that's all he wanted to do.

But he managed to pull back and offer his most sympathetic smile, shaking his head. "I still have to say no."

He didn't sound so sure of himself, but he stuck his ground regardless.