A quarter of an hour later, the sound of protest of a child could be heard from behind the door of the study room, growing louder and more insistent as it drew nearer. The door swung open, revealing two guards flanking the third prince, who was struggling against their grip with a mixture of defiance and frustration.
The prince possessed the graceful and refined features reminiscent of his mother. Yet, his demeanor was marked by an unmistakable rebellious streak, mirroring the fiery spirit and defiant nature that his father had famously exhibited during his own youth.
He jerked his arm free from one of the guards, glowering at them before his gaze landed on Queen Soluna. His defiance faltered for the briefest of moments as he met her piercing stare, but he quickly squared his shoulders, chin jutting out in a stubborn line.
"Mother," he said, his voice tight with irritation, though there was a flicker of unease beneath it. "I don't see why I must waste my time on—"
