The Duke stared at Cyruz for a long moment. Then he closed his eyes and let out a slow, tired sigh.
"…I don't hate Axelius," he said quietly, shaking his head. "I was distant because of…"
He paused, as if the words themselves were hard to say.
"…because every time I looked at him, I remembered the regret."
His voice grew softer, more human.
"Your mother, Eloween… she was furious when she found out I had a relationship with another woman And I don't blame her. We had agreed—after Andrius and Seraphina's mother—that there would be no more. That she would be the last. We promised. But I broke that promise."
His eyes lowered.
"When Axelius came into this world, I had already betrayed her trust. And though I did not hate the boy… I feared what my acceptance of him would cost this house. What it would cost your mother… and all of you."
The Duke looked to each of his children.
