A smooth, melodious voice cut through the hall, interrupting Elion's meal.
"Young Elion, I heard you're training in both the warrior and mage paths?" The queen spoke for the first time since his arrival.
Elion had expected the question to come from the king, so he was surprised that it was the queen who asked.
Elion met her gaze with calm and replied, "Yes, I sense a strong connection to both the warrior and mage paths, which is why I chose to pursue both."
'That's a lie, of course,' he thought. The real reason behind this seemingly reckless decision was Valen's influence.
[It wasn't just me who suggested this, kid. It was the Prophet King. Don't tarnish his memory.] Valen chimed in, a hint of reproach in his voice.
'Sorry about that,' said Elion to Valen in his mind.
The king's brow furrowed briefly at Elion's response, but he quickly regained his composure, masking his initial reaction.
