Before any of them could respond, Calen looked like he wanted to argue. However, Roxanna spoke before he had the chance.
"You're still recovering," she said gently. "And I need you here to protect Azura."
The frown on Calen's face grew even deeper. "Roxanna..." he said quietly. "I couldn't even make sure that Azul would come back with me, and yet you still trust me to protect your daughter?" He let out a bitter laugh. "Don't you think you've chosen the wrong person?"
"My daughter?" Roxanna repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Calen, Azura is our daughter. And why are you blaming yourself for what happened to Azul? He chose to let himself be captured so you could bring the medicinal herbs back to save Azura."
