Senior Que looked up, his eyes meeting those of the Emperor. There was a shared understanding between them, a bond forged in the fires of fatherhood and the trials of leadership.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he said, his voice rough with emotion.
"It is a comfort to know that you understand." He admitted.
Emperor Han placed a comforting hand on Senior Que's shoulder.
"If it were Edward lying here, I would be as distraught as you are. But take heart, my friend. Lian is strong and he has the best care possible. We must have faith that he will recover." He assured.
Edward Han, who was standing quietly beside his father, felt a pang of fear at the thought of being in Lian's place.
He knew his father would be devastated just as Senior Que was now.
Edward stepped forward, offering his own words of comfort.
"Lian is a fighter," he said, looking at Senior Que, Lyra, and Alexander in turn.
