Towards evening, Rhaegal returned home. As always, Alfred stood at the entrance, waiting to receive him.
"Welcome home, my lord," Alfred said, his voice steady, though fatigue lined his features.
Rhaegal's golden eyes lifted to meet Alfred, a faint frown tugging at his brow. He halted for a breath, studying the man who was standing in front of him.
"You look exhausted, Alfred."His tone was soft, touched with genuine concern—concern he rarely allowed himself to voice.
Alfred shook his head lightly. "I'm all right. Just need a bit more sleep, that's all."
Rhaegal continued to study him, concerned with flickering in his eyes. He sighed, the weight of unspoken things pressing on him. "I know it's difficult seeing him here. I'll send him away if it troubles you so much."
