395 Into the cave - Egon’s POV

As Egon turned to face his son's probing questions, a gust of angry wind whipped through, causing the Crown Prince's cape to billow dramatically.

He fought back the urge to smile, realizing that the timing was far from appropriate. The last thing he wanted was to give Noctavian more reasons to despise him. But how could he not smile when he already saw his son as the magnificent ruler Adela had described?

For an instant, he pondered what it would be like to be invincible and stand beside him.

A shiver raced down his neck and along his arms, snapping him back to reality. He clenched his hands by his sides and gritted his teeth, resolute never to entertain such dangerous and selfish notions again.

"Speak. I don't have all day," Noctavian spat out with his customary detachment.

What more could be said about it? It was an innocent mistake.

"You said it would be a fair trial, so if you want clear answers, you need to ask clear questions."