"And here I thought you had forgotten me." Eiran stepped out from behind his parents, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Zayden turned, his sharp gaze sweeping over the young boy, one eyebrow lifting slightly.
"I hear you have been skipping meals. Is that true?"
Eiran's smile faltered. He lowered his head as if guilty.
"I… I just haven't had much of an appetite lately."
"What?!" Ren gasped immediately, worry filling his voice. "You can't do that. You need to take care of yourself."
"I-I know," Eiran replied, forcing a faint smile. "I came for breakfast."
"Good," Zayden said, his expression softening. He gently patted the boy's back, nudging him forward. "Go on and eat something."
Eiran nodded and dashed off toward the dining hall.
Soon, it was just the two of them again.
Outside, snowflakes floated in the air like dust. From the large window panes, servants were visible, busy cleaning up last night's snowstorm.
