Chapter 25: The training grounds
"On the day you were born?"
Ceremus' confusion deepened as he tried to make sense of Hael's cryptic statement.
"I'm sorry, I don't quite... understand. Just how old are you exactly?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Hael hesitated for a moment, blinking. "I'm not really sure... The animals told me I should be twenty-five in human years," he mumbled, clearly uncertain of his own age.
"Human years? What does that even mean?" Ceremus pressed, his eyebrows furrowing.
Before Hael could offer any more explanation, there was a knock on the door, and Anemone's voice could be heard calling from the other side.
"Your Majesty, if I may, it's time to return to your duties."
Ceremus let out a deep sigh. "He always intrudes just when I'm having a bit of fun," he grumbled, clearly annoyed but still in good humor. The remark made Hael laugh, a soft, genuine sound that caught Ceremus off guard.
The King turned to him, watching as Hael let out a quiet giggle that quickly faded. The brief moment of joy made Ceremus' heart clench, and he found himself suddenly unsettled.
"As you heard," Ceremus said, shaking off the feeling, "I need to return to my study. But you're free to roam the palace. Do as you wish."
Hael nodded in understanding, and Ceremus made to leave, but stopped at the door, turning back one last time.