The grand palace doors slammed amidst the commotion.
Meliodas, frozen at the entrance, stared at the man before him, panting, his face drawn with worry.
"Zephyr…?"
The knights present, stunned, half-drew their weapons. One exclaimed,
"Your Majesty… this man was trying to force his way in!"
Meliodas raised his hand calmly.
"It's fine. Let him through. I know him."
Another knight, puzzled, dared to ask,
"But… who is he?"
Meliodas smiled proudly.
"My brother."
The soldiers immediately stepped aside respectfully.
"We apologize, Sir!"
"It's nothing. You may stand down."
Zephyr, breathless, grabbed Meliodas's arm urgently.
"Meliodas… I need you. I really need your help."
The king's gaze darkened. He placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Come. We'll talk somewhere quiet."
They walked through the castle corridors. Despite his anxiety, Zephyr couldn't help but admire the majestic interior of the royal palace.
Arriving before the throne room, Meliodas opened the large doors. But they weren't alone. Elizabeth stood there, a document in her hands.
"Meliodas? I thought you were done with your audiences?"
"I thought so too… until he showed up."
He stepped back to reveal Zephyr behind him.
"Elisabeth… this is Zephyr. My brother."
Then he turned to Zephyr:
"And this is Elizabeth. My wife."
Elizabeth bowed slightly with kindness.
"Pleased to meet you, Zephyr. Meliodas has told me about you."
Zephyr, despite the tension, gave a faint smile.
"The pleasure is mine, Your Highness."
"You can call me Elizabeth," she replied with a wink.
But Meliodas cut the pleasantries short.
"Now tell me. What brings you here?"
Zephyr swallowed hard. He took from his pocket a small floral bracelet — Rebecca's. His hands trembled.
"Miranda, Rebecca… and my son… have been kidnapped."
Elizabeth gasped, covering her mouth. Meliodas clenched his fists.
Zephyr told everything.
Two days ago, he was delivering wood to Boros. Miranda was preparing dinner, Rebecca was playing outside. But a premonition, a weight in his chest, forced him to return early.
When he arrived… the house was burning.
"I called their names… searched through the ruins… Nothing. Only… this bracelet." His voice cracked as he showed the token.
Zephyr had searched everywhere on the island, questioned villagers, begged Boros… but no trace. So, he left. Crossing the seas, gnawed by anguish, he headed for Liones… the only place he thought might help.
Then he collapsed to his knees, tears streaming freely.
"I didn't know where else to go… So I came to you."
Meliodas stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"You did well. You are no longer alone."
His eyes became those of a captain, a brother, a king.
"I will help you. We will find them. I swear it."