All three ministers rose at the sight of the Consort and the little Prince. They bowed as they walked in, their garments flying in the wind majestically despite the tension that consumed them.
Elias's every step felt like a death sentence. Every time he had walked into this room, it was in the company of his husband or into his arms. He had never been alone, but today he felt cold and hollow from within. His eyes burned with unshed tears, and his fingers wrapped around their son protectively.
He did not need to look at the other two ministers; their betrayal burned through their gaze, digging into his skin. But he refused to give them the privilege of seeing him crumble. He was not only a consort but also a Beta who had married an impeccable king.
As Elias took his seat, he carried baby Lior. He wasn't old enough to be seated on the Crown Prince's throne, but then his daddy didn't need support, and what better person to fill that space than the only bond between him and his lover?
