Sometimes people could barely remember that this was the same woman who had been bedridden and near death just days ago. She moved through the palace with the same commanding presence, the same sharp intellect, the same ruthless efficiency that had always defined her rule.
Everyone was relieved. Happy, even.
Well... almost everyone.
---
**The Kingdom of Marus - Royal Throne Room**
Today, Larus stood in the grand throne room of his homeland, facing the man who had given him life but never truly been a father.
The diplomatic mission to the northern territories had been successful—tensions defused, compromises reached, war averted through careful negotiation exactly as Heena had instructed. But there had been one additional stop Larus needed to make before returning to the imperial capital.
A personal matter that couldn't be avoided any longer.
"Hello, Father," Larus said, his voice formal and carefully neutral.
