Then he chuckled softly, a light, almost incredulous sound breaking the tension. "Great observation, Arthur." He gave a small, impressed clap, his usual calm humor surfacing through the heaviness of the moment.
Arthur didn't smile, but there was understanding in his eyes, a quiet acknowledgment of the bond and the sacrifices between them.
"Now, if you don't mind," Carl said, glancing at his watch, "I have somewhere to be before the coronation starts. And as a matter of fact, you do too. Seems like you've forgotten you're her partner for the opening dance."
Arthur gave him an incredulous look, his boots crunching against the gravel of the narrow road. He's more worried about the coronation? Now?
