Chapter 167: Alaric’s Childhood
"Your Highness," Lara said gently, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Just call me by name, Lara," Prince Alaric interjected, the corner of his mouth quirking up ever so slightly. "I owe you my life. That earns you the right to call me by my nickname."
There was a quiet shift in the room, a stillness that settled as the words hung in the air.
Agilus rolled his eyes and settled comfortably on the wooden chair.
From his place nearby, the white-haired man watched with an unreadable expression. General Kromwel’s sly grin barely masked the pride gleaming in his eyes. Though Alaric was not the favored prince of the kingdom, he was still a royal—his bearing and resolve befitting of a true leader. He was a perfect match for his disciple.
Samuel met Jethru’s gaze for a heartbeat. The older man’s arched brows conveyed a silent, knowing amusement.
Lara exhaled slowly, as if releasing more than just breath. "Alright then... Ari." The name felt strange on her tongue but warm. She called him that when they were in the plateau. But that was when she did not know of his identity.
"I haven’t told you about Sandoz. He’s the son of Duke Arces. He was abducted the same day as us. Maybe... maybe it’s time he went home to his family."
At that moment, the boy who had been fidgeting beside Ivan suddenly crumpled, like a dam breaking all at once.