As Ashok caught sight of Elara striding toward him, the sound of her voice still echoing faintly in his ears, he didn't move immediately.
Instead, his gaze slid subtly to the side, catching Gideon in the corner of his vision.
The boy, had already begun retreating, his head bowed in mock deference, shoulders hunched in an exaggerated show of humility, all while his feet shuffled ever so slowly—yet intentionally—toward Leon's side.
It was a calculated withdrawal, one born not from fear, but from mischief laced with foresight.
Ashok didn't need to think hard to understand what had just transpired.
Gideon had clearly seen Elara before Ashok had, and with all the timing of a scheming court jester, had chosen that precise moment to raise his voice and theatrically call him 'Great Majesty'—loud enough to make sure the title floated directly into her ears.
