If Hayden had known that his son was teasing a boy who had slaughtered over three hundred soldiers, tortured a grown man to death, and even assassinated one of the most dangerous criminals in the land, then the Duke might've taken his son and fled the palace without a second thought.
This wasn't some rumor whispered in fear—it came straight from the man who ruled the nation.
Hayden trusted his friend's sources. And no father would ever believe his child had done such terrible things... just as a joke.
That could only mean—"You... really?" Hayden's voice faltered, his words broken as he stared at the black-haired boy, eyes wide in disbelief, heart pounding. He couldn't even finish the sentence.
Arthur didn't say a word. He had no interest in bragging about those things.
"It's true, Hayden. My butler confirmed everything."
"Charles?" Hayden asked instinctively. And when his friend gave a slow nod, all his doubts vanished.
