- Two Hours Ago -
"You knew?" Zayden asked, waiting for confirmation from the boy.
Eiran nodded without hesitation. "Of course."
Zayden froze. His fingers, which had been resting at his sides, curled into tight fists unconsciously.
Of course, he knew. Why didn't I ever question him about this? How foolish…
"Since when?"
Eiran hesitated, his gaze flickering downward.
"The moment I saw him? The moment I felt his touch? I'm not sure," he murmured with a small, almost wistful chuckle. His voice was too calm for something that should have been a surprise.
Zayden's heart sank. It had been a shock to him when he found out, but these two—father and son—had already recognized each other. Was it because they shared the same blood? He was the only one left out. The one who didn't belong in their family.
"But why didn't you marry Papa?"
Zayden's eyes narrowed momentarily. He sighed, pressing a hand to his forehead.
"…And who put that idea in your head?"
