But if they truly had fallen, she would let the entire House Griffin pay the price.
Prince Kael reached out, resting his hand gently on her shoulder, patting it with quiet reassurance.
"My wife," he said softly, "we'll take this one step at a time. The truth will eventually come to light."
Feeling the warmth and steadiness of his touch, the chill in Zora's eyes eased slightly.
She looked up at him, her clear, bright eyes shimmering with complex emotion.
In the beginning, she had only said a few words.
Yet Prince Kael had done so much for her in silence.
After returning, he had already been burdened with countless matters. Even so, he left Alder behind to protect her, sent people to investigate House Griffin, and personally searched for news of her parents.
He had thought of everything.
Far more than she had ever expected.
Zora had always believed in one principle: Respect me, and I will respect you in return.
