The knights watched solemnly in silence, the only sounds being the grand duke's anguished cries filling the dark atmosphere beneath the cold winter wind.
Here, in this secluded place, far from prying eyes, Kyren could finally let his guard down—the same place where he had mourned his fate upon learning of the binding spell and its consequences from his mother, the former queen.
Eric sighed, recognising the alarming nature of the situation. It would have made more sense if Kyren had lashed out in rage, a reaction they were familiar with and knew how to handle. But this… this was beyond words.
The grand duke had never displayed such vulnerability. He had always presented himself with pride and strength, and his commanding presence intimidated others.
Now, he was shattered, stripped of his confidence. His chest heaved in a suffocating void of despair as tears streamed down his face.
