Echoes of Madness

(Kaelen’s POV)

A heavy silence followed Thalia’s question.

I watched as a flicker of emotion passed through Father’s eyes. He swallowed hard, then reached across the table to hold Mother’s hand like he needed some comfort. The Queen’s fingers curled around his, and although she tried to hide it, I saw her blink quickly, pushing back a tear.

It was Mother who finally spoke.

“We don’t know when she’