Alden's smile lingers—thin, tired, but warm.
But then his gaze sharpens, shifting toward the others.
"Alright," he murmurs, "enough nostalgia. Charles… Virtil wouldn't follow you all the way here unless something serious happened."
Charles and Virtil exchange a brief, silent look.
Charles nods once.
"Ashan," he says gently, "take Mili outside first. I need to discuss something with your father."
Ashan doesn't even question it.
He touches Mili's shoulder. "Come. Let them talk."
"But—" Mili starts.
"No arguing," Ashan says softly. "We'll be right outside."
Ashan guides Mili out of the chamber. She looks back twice, worry written all over her face, but she doesn't protest again. The doors close softly behind them.
Silence settles in the chamber.
Only the faint rustle of curtains and Alden's shallow breathing fill the air.
Alden shifts slightly, trying to sit straighter. "So then… tell me. What storm brings my little brother running to the capital with Virtil at his side?"
