The tent flap was drawn aside slowly, and the first thing Lucas sensed before he fully focused was the familiar weight of authority that filled the space, followed closely by something heavier and far more personal, and when he turned his eyes he saw the king standing there in full war attire with Elder Gideon just a step behind him.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
The king's gaze lingered on Lucas's bandaged face and the faintly visible scars beneath the wrappings, and his jaw tightened as he exhaled, while Elder Gideon's eyes softened immediately and his hands clenched at his sides as if restraining himself from rushing forward.
Elder Gideon broke first.
"My son," he said quietly, his voice thick despite his effort to keep it steady, "when I heard you were awake, I…" He stopped himself, swallowed, then continued, "I thank the heavens."
