King Reagan of Zephyros sat in his study, the letter from Valeidio's messenger clutched tightly in his hand. His normally steady composure wavered as he read the words again, his heart sinking further with every line. His mind raced with fragmented thoughts, each one heavier than the last.
Kaelix, his strong, resilient son, had been forced to make an unimaginable decision. The thought alone made Reagan's chest tighten. Kaelix had chosen to save Eirik, sacrificing the life of his unborn child in the process, a child Kaelix had been so overjoyed to learn about.
Reagan's hands trembled as he set the letter down, his gaze falling to the polished oak desk. He could still see Kaelix's radiant smile the day he had shared the news of Eirik's pregnancy. It had been one of the rare moments when Kaelix's usual stoic demeanor had melted into sheer joy.
And now… that joy was gone, replaced by grief and guilt.
