Chapter 18. A Huan Shen - my son
AT THE SAME TIME
EMPEROR LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:
The boy eyed me like I was some curious creature, small hands gripping his mother’s sleeve. I tried to smile, but the weight of the moment made it awkward and forced.
"So, uh... Huan, right?" I said, voice rough but sincere. "You like tracking animals?"
He nodded, eyes bright.
"Tao says I’m getting better. I caught a rabbit last week."He said.
A pang hit my chest. I wanted to ask if he remembered me, if he knew who I was, but the words stuck. Instead, I nodded, trying to meet his hopeful gaze without faltering. Mei Shen watched us closely, protective and quiet. Her eyes flicked to mine, searching. I could tell she was measuring me, weighing whether I belonged here. I wanted to reach out, to promise her I was here to stay not as a king or an emperor, but as a man willing to rebuild the broken pieces. Zeyrith’s voice snaked into my thoughts with a sly grin.
"Look at you Mr. father of the year in training. Bet you don’t even know how to change a diaper."He laughed.
I rolled my eyes.
"Very funny."I said.
"ust saying, your royal dignity might take a hit dealing with a toddler."He said.
I bit back a grin. The god was irritating, but right. This was new territory for me.