Kael tensed as Theron approached.
It was not a visible thing, not something an untrained eye would notice, but his entire body reacted all the same. His breath grew shallow, his muscles locked, and for a fleeting, terrifying moment, it felt as though the blood in his veins had turned to ice.
"Sire…" he forced the word out, though his tongue felt dry, heavy. "I have vowed to act in your best interest."
The words came out steady enough, but he knew what they implied.
He had sworn to serve. To protect. Not just from enemies, but from anything that might threaten the prince, including the prince himself.
It was the duty of the Vantaris family.
And so, of course, he reported to the Queen. Because she, above all, cared for the prince's well-being.
Theron said nothing. That silence was worse than anger. He stepped closer and, without a word, placed his hand on Kael's head.
Kael froze.
Theron's eyes shifted.
