“Are you not going to check on your son?”

“Now is not the right time to discuss it, Astrid. Just give me a few day's break and I will get back to you about the best arrangement for the child.”

“You are cruel,” she accused him.

For a moment, Ryder wondered if he was indeed, being cruel to Astrid. It might be possible, but things happened for a reason. As he watched Astrid leave, he sensed another aura nearby. When he turned around, it was Philip. He clenched his jaw upon taking a step toward him.

“Your Majesty,” he greeted Philip. "I am glad that you follow me here. Since...