Chapter 532 - Blood

Kael held the Queen in his arms for a few more seconds after confirming aloud that she was still alive, allowing the information to settle in the air before adding anything else. His gaze remained steady, without apparent urgency, but also without any unnecessary softening of what was before them. He didn't move to hand her over immediately, nor did he try to interfere with Elizabeth's natural impulse to approach. He simply observed, like someone who had already made all the necessary decisions and was now merely executing the remaining steps without deviation.