"Are you sure, Your Majesty?"
The hesitation in the knight's voice was impossible to miss.
It wasn't just doubt I could hear. It was frustration barely held back behind years of discipline. He stood straight as ever, but the way his jaw tightened told me everything.
It was clear that he wasn't satisfied with my answer.
And truthfully, I had expected as much.
He had fought that man before. Not alone, either. He had gone in with his unit, trained soldiers who had survived countless battles, and yet they had been overwhelmed with embarrassing ease. Routed before they could even mount a proper response.
He didn't say it outright, but the humiliation still lingered on him like an unhealed bruise.
"You're pretty hot-headed," I said calmly, letting out a small breath as I leaned back. "Relax. You don't have to worry."
His eyes narrowed slightly, clearly not convinced.
"You'll get your turn," I continued. "I promise you that. Just not now. For the moment, I'm interested in him."
