The Emperor's lips tugged. "Four months. You hunted shadows for four months, and you dragged them all into the light. You rid the Empire of treachery when I could not even lift myself from this chair."
He continued, warmth now very obvious in his voice. "Alaric… my brother in all than blood. You have carried this Empire on your shoulders while I lay helpless. Without you, there would be no Empire left to heal for."
"You do not merely deserve thanks. You deserve to be remembered."
Daphne's chest swelled with emotion at his words.
She stepped forward, her voice clear though gentle.
"Your Majesty, he may never ask for remembrance but I will. He has borne more than any one man should, and yet he never let the weight fall on another's shoulders. He carried you, the Empire, and…" Her lips curved faintly. "He carried me, too."
Alaric glanced at her, but the warmth in her gaze softened the edge of his stare.
The Emperor chuckled, shaking his head.
