Alice and Nashi stand alone in the throne room, Alice, pacing back and forth while talking to Nashi. Nervousness courses down both their faces.
"I don't know what to do about him," Alice starts, "ever since he got possessed, it's almost like he lost his heart. It's like he can't feel anymore. He used to be so kind and warm, but now…"
"I don't think we should tell him," Nashi says.
"He's still my husband, and your father!" Alice bites back.
"That man is not your husband anymore," Nashi retorts, "He is pure malice now."
Alice continues to pace as the sunlight streams through the stained glass windows.
"You can't trust him anymore," Nashi continues, "especially not with this."
"He's going to find out eventually," Alice continues, "And when he does…"
"He won't do anything to you, Alice," Nashi starts, "He may be ruthless now… but deep down, I know he still loves you. He won't show it, but I know…"
"You're right," Alice responds, "But you're still right about not telling him. If he learns about this, he'll just have some other gambling chip at his disposal… And it'll be a trump card."
Before they can continue, Alice and Nashi hear footsteps coming from outside.
"He's here," Nashi says, "Remember, we cannot tell him about this."
Nashi walks away towards the back of the throne room, before exiting into another part of the castle. Soon after, the main doors burst open, revealing an agitated Flame Lord.
"The incomptitent bastard," he starts.
"Who, honey?" Alice responds.
"Our son," the Flame Lord continues, "I give him one simple order, and he can't seem to follow through."
"Luke? Cameron he- he's just a child!" Alice continues.
"He's 19. I already mastered control over my powers by then."
"That doesn't mean he's also a 'master tactician'... like you were."
"What do you mean 'were'? I still am, and I can prove it, too. If it were me leading those men, I would've conquered every nation in the surrounding sector. He needs experience, and he needs to abandon his current way of thinking."
The Flame Lord grabs and holds up a dark necklace with an onyx gem inside.
"This should do the job," he continues.
"What's that," Alice asks with concern.
"Something special for Luke when he gets back. A celebratory gift for all the hard work he's done."
"But didn't you say-"
"I know what I said."
"While I wait for Luke to get back, I'm going to handle a few things around the kingdom. I want you to wait here, and not cause any trouble. I overheard you talking to Nashi."
On this statement, Alice begins to sweat nervously.
"It wasn't anything too serious, I promise," Alice says in response.
"Are you okay, honey?" the Flame Lord returns.
"Oh no, no no, I'm fine Cameron."
"It's just that you seemed… nervous, and kinda shaky. You're not hiding something from me, right?"
"I would never."
"Good."
There's a long pause between the two afterward.
"You better not be lying, Alice," the Flame Lord says before walking back out the door.