"He's always been apart from others. He is a prince."

Kell's sadness echoed Neria's. "But he put so much into bridging that gap, into making people comfortable with him, into being beloved by our people. He's the typical spoiled royal, yes, but he's also generous, kind, and genuine.

"So many people play at that, but for Rhy, it's the way he is. He's never liked barriers or holding himself apart. Now... he's something almost other than a person. Holy. And it's written on his face."

Kell pressed his lips together. "It is different for him than it is for me. People still see him, yes, but... it will take time for them to look past the eye, and what they've been taught it means."