His father answered calmly.
"You are returning as the King of another nation. And..." His expression softened slightly."... you are still my son."
The words warmed him far more than the heavy winter cloak around his shoulders. He turned toward his parents.
Without hesitation, he embraced his mother first. She wrapped both arms around him immediately.
"You've become far too busy."
"I know."
"Visit again."
"I will."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
She gently brushed a few strands of silver hair away from his forehead before stepping back.
"There, you still look untidy."
He laughed.
"I thought I'd escaped that."
"Never."
His father stepped forward next. Unlike his mother, the embrace was brief, firm, and comfortable.
"I am proud of the king you've become."
Atheline lowered his head slightly.
"I still have much to learn."
"You always will."
His father smiled.
"And so do I."
Helther waited patiently until they finished, then folded his arms.
"So."
"So."
