"Before we begin…" Samson says slowly, his gaze moving across each of his sons one by one.
Kaelis could practically feel the weight of it.
It was measured.
And careful.
Like Samson was silently peeling through layers, none of them could fully hide beneath.
But even then—
Kaelis already knew whose father's attention lingered on the longest.
"Aurien."
Samson's voice softened noticeably when he called his name.
From the corner of his eye, Kaelis sees Aurien immediately look up.
"Yes, father?" Aurien asks politely.
"How are you, my son?" Samson asks warmly. "It has been a while since I've seen you."
Kaelis resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
Not because he was jealous.
God, not anymore at least.
If anything, Kaelis could practically feel Helios seething beside him.
This happened every single time the three of them were summoned together.
Every time.
Samson favored Aurien.
Not secretly either.
It was obvious enough that even the servants noticed it.
