The figure remained still as the light from the Veilglass settled. Marcus stood behind the desk, one hand resting beside the artifact.
"You have grown, Marcus," the figure said.
Marcus lowered his head slightly. "It has been some time."
"Indeed." The figure paused, studying him through the screen. "You are almost at the same stage as your father."
Marcus did not acknowledge the figure’s statement. "I need a favor."
"Straight to the point. You are exactly like your father." A quiet laugh came through the artifact. "Tell me what favor you want from me."
"Four imperial guards died in my territory. The prince will report that they were sent to investigate disturbances along the border and were killed by a beast tide. But I doubt everyone in the capital will accept it," Marcus said as he placed his hands on the desk.
"If an investigation reaches my territory, it could become more troublesome for us."
"And you want the matter to end here."
"I do."
The figure remained silent for a moment. "Does the Emperor know what happened?"
"He will hear from Prince Asher directly tomorrow, and he may tell to investigate the deaths."
"Then you have decided not to leave the outcome to his judgment."
Marcus inclined his head. "I would prefer to avoid unnecessary trouble for the throne and my household."
After a while, the figure spoke again. "House Hayes has served the Empire for generations. I see no reason for this incident to become a matter that draws your household into the succession struggle."
"Then you will grant my request?"
"I will see that the matter is left alone. The Emperor will not pursue an investigation into your household over these deaths."
Marcus bowed his head. "You have my gratitude."
"Keep it. I have no need of thanks for a favor of this kind." The figure paused before continuing. "And Marcus, do not expect a second favor for every difficulty that comes your way."
"I would not presume to."
"Good. I also have my suspicions but I will let this matter go since you used the favor granted to your household."
The light on the Veilglass dimmed, and the figure disappeared.
Marcus remained before the artifact for a moment, pressing his fingers on it’s surface. As the light vanished, he wrapped the artifact back, then locked it.
The room became quiet again, as he left the study.
The corridor was dark, with only a few lights burning along the walls. He walked towards Roland’s room instead of returning to his own.
When he opened the door, Vera was sitting beside the bed. Roland was sleeping on the bed as his hands rested on the blanket. His bandages had been changed, and his breathing was steady.
Vera looked up at Marcus but said nothing.
Marcus closed the door behind him. "Has he woken yet?"
"Once," she replied. "But went back to sleep."
Marcus moved closer to the bed and looked at his son. His face was pale, but had significantly recovered. "He will recover."
"I know." Her answer was quiet with some lingering resentment.
Marcus pulled a chair closer to the bed, and sat down across from her. For a while, neither spoke.
"I was wrong to put him in that position," Marcus said at last.
Vera kept her eyes on Roland. "You said that before."
"I know."
"And yet you still believed it was necessary."
Marcus looked down at his hands. He could have explained why he had made the decision, and could have told her the difference between training and a real battle or of the all people would face if they are unprepared.
But saying these things would not change what had already happened.
"I thought I knew what he needed," he said. "I did not consider what it would mean to you if he had not come back."
Vera turned towards him. "That is not the only thing you failed to consider. He is our son, Marcus. You do not get to decide alone how much danger he should face."
"You are right."
She seemed to have expected another argument but Marcus remained quiet.
"I was afraid," she said. "When you brought him back like that, I was scared seeing him like that and you stood there speaking as though it had been another training session."
Marcus did not interrupt her.
"I know how strong our children must become. I know the world will not be kind to them. But that does not mean you can treat them that way."
"I never wanted you to feel that way," He lowered his head. "I am sorry, Vera."
She looked at him for a long moment, then turned back to Roland. Her fingers moved carefully over the blanket near his hand.
"I was angry with you," she said. "I still am. But I cannot remain angry forever, and I do not want this to stand between us."
Marcus waited.
"I forgive you," Vera said quietly.
Marcus let out a long breath. He had faced enemies strong than him without hesitation, but found it harder to talk to her while she was angry.
"Thank you," he said.
Vera shook her head slightly. "Do not thank me. Just remember this the next time you decide what is best for our children."
"I will."
"And if you believe one of them must face danger, tell me if you can. I may not agree with you, but just don’t make decisions alone."
"You have my word."
For a while, they sat beside Roland without speaking. The room was quiet, only the sound of Roland’s breathing remained.
Vera leaned back, her exhaustion finally showing. Marcus rose and adjusted the blanket around Roland’s shoulders before moving towards the door.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"To check on Leon. Then I will return."
She nodded. "He should wake tomorrow, if everything goes as you said."
"He should."
Marcus paused at the doorway, looking back at her. She had already turned towards Roland again, holding his hand as she had when Marcus first entered.
He closed the door softly behind him. Marcus continued down the corridor, smiling as a heavy thing has lifted off his chest.