“It wasn’t just bold,” Arren replied, running a hand through his dark hair. “It was necessary. But this is only the first step, Lysandra. There will be resistance, powerful resistance. The people of Aurielis will not easily accept a prince without celestial powers.”

 Lysandra crossed the room and stood beside Arren, brushing his arm gently. “I know. And we will face it together. This is only the beginning, and we have a long road ahead.” Arren nodded, his jaw set. “We’ll have to be strategic, careful. But Caelum...” His gaze drifted toward his son, who sat quietly, watching them with wide, thoughtful eyes. “He deserves this. A chance to prove himself—not to be limited by the world’s expectations.”

Lysandra smiled faintly, looking at Caelum. “Of course, he’s our son. We’ll raise him to be strong.” Despite their exchange of hopeful words,  they can't mask their worried expressions. Seeing this, Caelum sighed. Don’t worry, guys, I’ve got this! inwardly rolling his eyes. Here let me give you some energy. Then, with all the grace of a three-year-old, he reached out his small hand and gave them a  thumbs-up while shouting enthusiastically “Mama, Dada!” Both parents froze for a moment before bursting into soft laughter, the tension breaking like a brittle shell. Arren crouched down to meet his son’s level, a rare, gentle smile tugging at his lips. “Is that your way of telling us you believe in us, little star?” 

Lysandra chuckled, shaking her head. “He has no idea what we’re talking about, but that’s exactly what I needed to see.”

Their quiet moment was interrupted by a firm knock at the door. Lysandra straightened with a sigh. “And there goes the peace,” she muttered. “Enter,” Arren called, his voice steady. The door opened, revealing a messenger clad in the royal colors of Andromeda Kingdom. The man bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, Your Grace. An urgent council meeting has been called. The nobles are already gathering.” Lysandra raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Unusually efficient of them, wouldn’t you say? They usually need weeks just to agree on a meeting time.” Arren’s smile turned wry. “Efficiency comes easily when history is being rewritten, Lysandra. This decision of ours is... unprecedented.”

Ah, the plot thickens. Intriguing, Caelum thought as he watches them.

King Arren glanced at Caelum, his gaze softening. “Stay with your mother, little star. I’ll handle this.” Lysandra watched him go, her expression unreadable. “Be careful,” she murmured as the door closed behind him. Caelum climbed down from his chair, walking to his mother and reaching for her hand. She picked him up, holding him close. “Your father is going to need all the strength he can get, Caelum,” she whispered, looking out the window. “And so will you.”