When a Minister Became a father
"Hello, father."
Out of nowhere, the air in the throne hall shifted when Chloe broke silence. A stiffness that had held everything stiff began to give way. It slipped, much like thread unwinding after being pulled too long.
Hours passed, the room thick with unspoken deals - cold columns observing without speaking as lords and soldiers studied each gesture behind guarded looks. Then came just two plain words, slicing clean across everything.
A moment ago still firm as stone beneath the crown's weight, Lord Ronan now seemed stripped down to a quieter truth.
A father.
A softness touched his features, the usual firm command around him slipping slightly. So uncommon was this shift that a few courtiers standing close looked at one another fast, half-convinced their eyes had played tricks.
Quietly came his words: "Hello, daughter." .
Faint traces of kindness slipped into how he spoke, unlike the cold manner he used in formal settings.
