"His Highness seems to be doing alright. His face has more color now than yesterday."
Cashew's voice was calm but carried a quiet pride, the kind that came from someone who'd been working tirelessly.
Heinz, seated behind his desk, lifted his gaze to the boy and studied him for a moment.
The child he'd once thought too timid for palace life was changing—steadily growing into someone dependable. His posture was straighter, his words clearer, his eyes more certain.
'He's growing fast,' Heinz thought, a faint sigh caught in his chest. 'More responsible than most of the men twice his age.'
Cashew continued, his hands folded neatly in front of him. "His Highness has agreed to grant an audience with Duke Elara in his room. I'll be arranging everything to make sure they're both comfortable."
That made Heinz pause.
"He agreed to meet with her?" he asked, brow furrowing slightly as he leaned back in his chair. "That's… surprising. I thought he didn't want to be bothered by anyone."
