“Highly unlikely. Tieren was placed in charge of reviewing our stories, and given the… circumstances-“

The lengths he’d gone to. Accepted enslavement to avoid fighting a war on behalf of another crown. Inadvertently freeing both Rhy and himself from slavery. Brought them home. Ensuring Rhy remained alive, even at the expense of his own life.

“I was ruled to have acted as the crown required.”

With Rhy’s own testimony weighed in, he’d performed his duties to the letter. To lengths to be commended. It was not praise that had sat comfortably, and it showed in Kell’s eyes even if he did not explain aloud.

Kell considered her next question carefully, silent longer than a few seconds, then shook his head.

“Not that I know of – but they are both rulers and parents.”