She clearly didn't like his answer.
"Being busy isn't an excuse to starve," she said firmly. Then flicked his head in a similar way that Ronan flicked Irene's. "And it's no reason to miss out on sleep. Don't think I didn't understand the implications of what you just said."
Ronan didn't look angry, as if this was a common talk. "Heirs have duties. There's nothing I can do about that."
"You're a child before you're an heir, Ronan. Do not forget that."
Current Ronan watched from the side, expression blank. So this woman was Ronan's anchor. So this was why he endured it. She didn't expect anything from him at all. She didn't even ask once about his studies or training.
She only asked if he ate.
Young Ronan sat beside her. She brushed his hair back gently. He complained about his tutors a little, but not much.
Even here, he seemed afraid to complain too openly, as if Vulcan would barge in and punish him for complaining.
