The King’s brow furrowed.
“Heiko… why the rush?”
“Because this is the best right now,” Heiko answered honestly. “I need distance. From everything. From everyone. A clean start. You understand, don’t you?”
King Paul looked into his son’s eyes — and for the first time in years, he saw the man his son had become. No longer just a weapon forged by war. No longer a shadow under a crown.
He nodded slowly.
“Yes… I understand.”
He paused, then added:
“I have a few territories in mind. Remote, peaceful, but full of potential. We’ll talk once you’ve packed. Come to my office.”
Heiko nodded once, respectfully. “I will.”
Then, he turned to leave, until a voice stopped him.
“Heiko… son…”
The voice stopped him cold.
Not because it was powerful.
But because it was familiar — and it carried t
