As Kaelith and Hale walked side by side down the corridor leading to the King's chamber, their quiet laughter and soft conversation echoed lightly off the stone walls. Hale's smile was easy, Kaelith's gaze calm, until a sharp, familiar voice cut through the air.
"Good morning, Your Highness and welcome back," Nigel said, stepping into their path with a slight bow.
Kaelith paused. His expression neutralized, but he nodded politely. "Thank you, Nigel."
Nigel's eyes slid toward Hale with thinly veiled mockery. "And you, Sir Hale… It's still so early, and yet you're already with the Prince. So punctual. It almost feels like you're always by his side. One might even assume you both sleep together."
An awkward silence thickened the space between them.
Hale stiffened but said nothing. Kaelith's jaw tightened. He met Nigel's eyes, trying to keep his face unreadable, but the words from the voice in his vision echoed in his mind.
