Adela's face grew noticeably colder, and it had nothing to do with the lingering chill from the window left open by Egon.
This reaction was all too familiar to her whenever her son broached the topic of dreams involving the First Empress. Noctavian, attuned to her unspoken feelings, ventured to speak.
"The dreams I have about him are purely factual, Mother. She only reveals to me the extent of her twin's deception. It's been a long time since I experienced one, though. Were the dreams she showed you always filled with horror?"
Adela's hand gently caressed Noctavian's cheek, her green eyes radiating affection. She had shared this tale with him before, yet she sensed that he inquired once more out of his deep reverence for the First Empress who had paved the path of glory for her awaited heir centuries ago.
