The teacup that he had held clattered against the marble floor.
Tobias blinked, staring at the now-shattered porcelain before lifting his gaze.
The one responsible for his fumble wasn't the king, nor a maid. It was Cedric — his ever-so-curious voice ringing out.
"Who is this Zayn you speak of?"
The room went quiet for a heartbeat.
King Alden let out a hearty laugh, stroking his beard as if dusting off an old memory. "Ah yes, I remember that boy. He prostrated himself at your feet, Cedric, declaring his loyalty and desire to join the Hero of Light's party when the selection was underway but the Hero of Knowledge took him instead."
Cedric furrowed his brows, as if sifting through the clutter of memory for a name he had discarded. "That blond-haired young man?"
The king nodded. "The very same."
Tobias leaned forward, the weight in his voice sharp and direct. "What business does a king like you have with one of my party members?"
