The king's gaze hardened, almost imperceptibly. "Accidents happen," he replied coolly. "Even to those we cherish."
Their eyes locked—king and father, predator and hunter—neither blinking, neither yielding.
At last, Ralden stepped closer, breaking the tension with a placid smile. "You have my word that justice has been done. The careless servants have been punished, and the queen's comfort is my top priority."
Sapiro said nothing. He knew that "punished" could mean anything in this palace.
His attention returned to the baby, now sleeping peacefully once more. "May I name him?" he asked softly, though the question carried the weight of a challenge.
Ralden hesitated. He had already planned to name the boy himself during the public ceremony the following day. But denying the suspicious father would draw suspicion.
"Of course, but only the second name. He is my son after all." he said smoothly. "What would you have him called?"
Sapiro's gaze softened as he whispered, "Rafael."
