"If everything Father said is as is, then I was right—I never used the Thousand Steps."
A crease appeared between the King's eyebrows. "How so?"
"Father said 'walk in reverse'. Even when cornered by Mother, I never walk in reverse." His tone carried a quiet conviction, each word settling into place like a stone set on firm ground.
It was really difficult to know what was a joke and what wasn't when his son spoke. He simply said things, and the fact that he believed them made it hard to decide whether to laugh or cry—and in that moment, he could do neither.
The King's brows tightened into a sharp crease, a silent plea slipping into the air unheard. "What is your mother supposed to be? Some aggressive boar?"
Ajab narrowed his eyes, fixing his father with a steady stare.
