A flicker of pride lit up Orion's eyes as he watched Pallas find his confidence, his words flowing smoothly even under the weight of his father's presence.
"So," Orion said, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. His tone wasn't angry or pleased, but held a note of playful challenge. "You two came to me to run interference with your mother, is that it?"
"You are the heart of the Stoneheart Horde, Daddy," Pallas said, lifting his chin. It was the first time he had ever spoken to Orion with such formal, ringing conviction. "The greatest there is. In the Stoneheart Horde, what you say, goes."
Seeing the raw sincerity and flicker of zeal in his son's eyes, Orion suddenly let out a booming laugh.
"Alright! I'll be there for the ceremony," he declared. "And you have my permission to host a celebration for the younglings in the castle square."
"Yes!"
"Awesome!"
As Elara and Pallas cheered, Orion rose from his throne.
