In the study, Alistair settled into a chair near the fireplace. Uriel sat across from him, waiting.
"When you were born," Alistair began, "I was terrified. I had to command armies, negotiated treaties, faced down enemies who wanted me dead. But holding you for the first time, I realized I had never been so afraid in my life. I did not know how to be a father. I had to learn and fast too."
Uriel said nothing, but his posture shifted, listening.
"I learned that being a father means being present. Not just in the room, but present. When you were small, I made time to walk with you in the garden, to answer your questions, to let you sit beside me while I worked. Your mother taught me that. She said a child needs to see their father, not just hear about him from servants."
He paused. "What about you? How do you plan to be present for your son, with the responsibilities you already carry?"
