His father's gaze was heavy, carrying the responsibility of managing both sides. Remaining loyal to the king and doing what's best for the family without compromising either.
"You understand what happened beneath the world tree," He stated.
Atheline nodded his face a mask of seriousness.
"I do."
The answer hung in the air as they maintained eye contact with each other. His father leaned back on the chair and placed his clasped hand on the edge of the table.
"Explain to me."
Atheline could feel it. The words weren't accusative but his father was trying to make sure he met expectations and understood the gravity of the situation.
Atheline exhaled slowly.
"The tree resisted her aether," he said while trying to come up with a good word to describe the phenomenon." It wasn't fully but enough to almost destabilise the ritual. It would have been ruled as an incompatible marriage."
His father didn't move.
"Go on."
