On the third morning after Prince Alaric entered the capital, he received a summons from the king. It wasn't just Prince Alaric who had been called to the palace—every general who had fought in the recent war, alongside soldiers whose valor went unrecognized during the first wave of commendations, were summoned as well.
Kane Mendel's name was listed among them. The summons was addressed to General Odin. He felt conflicted because Kane Mendel was his daughter.
The Norse family had a meeting in the sitting room after they had their dinner that night to discuss the summons.
"Father," Asael began, his voice steady but edged with concern. "I think it would be better for us to reveal Kane Mendel's identity ourselves. If the king finds out before we confess, it may look like we've deceived him." His words hung heavy in the room, stirring whispers of agreement.
