"Well," Alixia said, looking up at him, "I thought mom was the scariest… but actually, it's you.
— Alixia… what are you doing here?!
— I was looking for you. So... I ran into your stuff.
- What ?!!!
"Well… your business," she corrected, swallowing.
I don't want to be tortured and buried alive.
Bryan sighed deeply.
At that precise moment, King Astarion passed into the corridor. He stopped abruptly when he saw Bryan… then the little girl next to him. Intrigued, he slipped into the shadows, observing the scene in silence.
"Dad," Alixia continued more gently, "I just wanted to see you.
Bryan knelt in front of her.
- You don't know how much danger you're putting yourself in...
—But my safety is with you.
With you and mom.
His voice trembled.
—When will I be able to wake up with my parents by my side?
The other children have their parents… I have absences.
The tears flowed.
Bryan placed his hand on her head, holding her close.
— My angel… it's not by choice. There are constraints.
—So Aunt Zia was right...
—What?
— She says your father doesn't want me.
Nor from mom.
Bryan closed his eyes.
— Yes… my heart.
He wants a "pure" lineage. And your mother...
— … does not fall within its criteria.
- Exactly.
Alixia raised her head, determined.
—Then we must denounce him.
- What ???!!!
—He violates Alliance law. All people are equal.
If he refuses, the other kings can put pressure on him.
Bryan stared at her, stunned… then burst out laughing, picked her up and spun her around.
—I didn't expect my daughter to be so brilliant!
She laughed out loud.
He put her down gently.
— But for now, we're going back. Your mother must be worried sick.
He took her hand and walked away.
In the shadows, Astarion observed the scene, silent.
His gaze softens... imperceptibly.
Maybe…
had he been blind for longer than he cared to admit.