Velc gulped hard, fear twisting in his gut as his son dared to speak out against the princess of this Empire—a woman known for her terrifying authority. Her expression had already shifted, her calmness melting into cold fury.
'Does he have a death wish or what?' Velc screamed inwardly, his heart pounding. He quickly stepped forward, desperate to defuse the tension before it escalated. "Kai, you need t--" he began, but his words were cut short.
Kai smirked, a cocky glint in his eyes, and casually shrugged his shoulders. "You don't fear anymore, Father... I, your son, am more than capable of handling this," he declared, his voice laced with pride, chin slightly raised as if already victorious.
Velc's lips twitched awkwardly. He turned his head toward Xara, silently pleading for support. But she didn't move, didn't say a word—just stared at Kai with a firm, disapproving frown etched deep into her expression.
