Veer's father's jaw tightened.
"And that woman," Robert pressed on, "is young. She looks barely into her twenties. She's been around our young lord for months. And not just him—there are other beastmen around her too."
He let the silence stretch for a beat.
"So how," Robert asked slowly, "does she not have even 'one' child?"
The room went still.
Veer's father stared at him, eyes narrowing, mind clearly racing now.
Robert held his breath.
Then—slowly, like ice cracking—a smile spread across Veer's father's face. Cold. Cruel. Satisfied.
"Yes," he murmured, almost to himself. "How did I forget?"
He turned fully to Robert, and for the first time in weeks, there was approval in his gaze. Real approval.
"Good point, Robert." His smile widened. "Why 'shouldn't' she have a child by now?" He nodded once, sharp. "She should."
Robert exhaled in relief, a bright smile breaking across his face. "Thank you, my lord."
