Eros's lips curved into a slow, knowing side-smile.
"So you know."
Grand Duke Icemake lowered his head again, not in fear but in acknowledgment.
"I did. But I was not sure you were aware of the position you hold."
Eros tilted his head slightly.
"And so you intended to force me to submit?"
"Forgive me, my king," Icemake replied without hesitation. His voice carried no excuses, only truth.
"A king is only a king if he knows the throne he stands on. Otherwise—" he lifted his heavy gaze to meet Eros's,
"—he is a servant for life."
A tense silence followed… only for Eros to let out a soft, appreciative chuckle.
"Good. Very good…"
He wasn't angry. If anything, he seemed amused—pleased even—like he had expected this revelation eventually.
But everyone else?
Their brains were melting.
Sir William looked between the two men like his world had been flipped upside down.
Finally, unable to stay silent, he stepped forward.
"Father… what is going on?"
