The lord finally spoke, his voice calm but firm.
"What is your name?"
The boy lifted his head again, staring straight at the throne as if nothing in the hall could intimidate him.
"Theras," he said.
The lord's fingers tapped the arm of the throne once. "What is your family name?"
"None," Theras answered, his face completely blank. No hesitation, no emotion.
"And what do you like most?"
"My sword."
His tone never changed. It was simple truth to him, not pride or arrogance.
"Who is your favorite person?" the lord asked next.
"None."
I watched him carefully. Every answer was short, sharp, and honest. There was no fear in him, no confusion, no shame. Only clarity.
One of the figures seated below leaned forward slightly. "I heard you were captured multiple times. Always causing trouble. Why?"
Theras didn't blink. "I don't like being insulted."
"Why would they insult you?" the lord asked with a hint of curiosity.
"I am not pure blood."
"Is that bad?"
