The day passed.
Alaric stayed with his wife and son. No meetings. No reports. No training drills.
He held Nathaniel while Daphne slept. He ate with her. He stayed in the chambers, letting the world wait.
But peace never lasted long in Eldoria.
That evening, just as Daphne was changing Nathaniel's diaper, a sharp knock sounded at the door.
Alaric opened it.
Carlden stood there, pale and tense.
"General, something is wrong with the Emperor."
Alaric's entire body went still. "What happened?"
"We don't know. He collapsed. He's conscious but… strange. You should come immediately."
Alaric nodded once. "I'll be right there."
He turned to leave but Daphne was already stepping forward.
"I'm coming with you."
"No," Alaric said instantly.
"Alaric?"
"No." His tone was firm.
Daphne frowned, folding her arms. "Don't start that. I'm coming."
"You're not," he repeated. "Daphne, you're supposed to be resting."
