Thalorien's eyes remained fixed upon his daughter as he spoke, "You did nothing wrong."
Seraphina's lips trembled. For months, she had undoubtedly carried guilt she had never deserved to bear.
Perhaps she had wondered whether she should have fought harder. Perhaps she had replayed the moment of her capture countless times, searching for some decision she could have made differently.
Perhaps she had even feared disappointing the family she loved. Thalorien seemed to understand all of that without needing her to explain a single word.
His large hand moved gently across her hair, "You hear me?"
Seraphina nodded weakly, "Yes, Father."
"No." The King shook his head. His voice became firmer, "Say it properly."
Seraphina looked up at him and Thalorien's sapphire eyes softened, "You did nothing wrong."
For several seconds, she simply stared. Then her tears began falling again, "I did nothing wrong."
