In the private hall, only King Esmond and Alora remained. The King gestured for Alora to take a seat, and she complied, settling gracefully into the chair.
"My son continues to face every danger head-on," King Esmond began, his voice tinged with frustration and weariness. "This morning, Magnus didn't even think it important to tell me about his encounter with Qasima. We've grown so old that it seems my own children hesitate to share crucial matters with me." His expression betrayed a deep-seated worry and sadness.
Alora regarded the King with concern, her brow furrowing slightly. "Perhaps it simply slipped Prince Magnus's mind," she suggested gently, attempting to offer a comforting perspective.
"No. Magnus is calculative and observant. He knows when he has to speak up about a matter. Qasima could have done anything to him. Don't you think?" King Esmond showed his fatherly concern.
