A group of knights emerged at the end of the hallway, King Kyden at their head, with Jessy trailing behind them, her expression taut with worry. Elis, Alex, and Adam straightened at once, bowing respectfully as they greeted the king in proper form.
The princess consort then withdrew a step, quietly yielding space as the new entourage took command of the scene.
"Ah… good," Kiev said quietly, wiping the last traces of tears from his face as he turned. "The king himself has finally arrived."
King Kyden took in the tense atmosphere—the stiff postures, the healer with a tear-streaked face, and the storm brewing behind Kiev's eyes.
"What is the meaning of this commotion?" he demanded.
Kiev's gaze swept the hallway and landed on Jessy, standing just behind the knights.
She must have been anxious after his earlier outburst, perhaps frightened enough to seek out Eric for help. The thought did not anger him.
