Why did he find even that sight beautiful?
Why, for whatever reason, did he feel a strange sense of pride in knowing that right now, he was the only one being looked at by that gaze?
As Somnus became aware of the warmth of their still linked fingers, he found himself wondering these questions in silence.
But before he could follow those thoughts too far, the voice of his mother who had remained silent until now drew his attention.
"Reg Regalia, if I may be so bold," she said with careful formality. "When this child becomes a full fledged mage, please bring him back to this palace at least once. I wish for him to decide for himself whether to inherit the throne or not."
The woman who spoke now was not a desperate mother about to be parted from her son, but the dignified Empress of the Goa'uld Empire.
