Tears spilled instantly from Liv's eyes, pouring down like rainfall with no warning.
The Grand Duchess cupped Liv's tear-streaked face, her touch tender. "The Albrecht family," she said with unwavering conviction, "has always stood under Zelthar's protection. Those who wish to bring down Albrecht cannot strike Zelthar directly. So they target the ones closest to Zelthar first. They try to break the shield before they reach the heart."
Her expression hardened. A sharp, alert glint appeared in her eyes.
"But they will not win easily. They may not even be able to touch Albrecht properly."
Liv bit her lip until it nearly bled, her whole body shaking.
"But… if something happens… if they—"
"I don't want to hear 'if'." The Grand Duchess cut her off, firm.
