Wesleynard's face fell, taking in Isolde's face, and he shot a glare at his father. King Wesleynard cleared his throat before shooting Elynor a stern look, he focused his attention on his wife, "Any idea of what we have on our hands, Ana?" Queen Ana Sofia's brow furrowed as she considered her husband's question, her gaze drifting to Isolde for a moment. "The marks are unmistakably Malphus' work, dear. The question is, what does it mean for Isolde and, more importantly, the kingdom?" She sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging under the weight of this revelation. "We must be cautious, for Malphus' influence can be insidious and far-reaching."
"Malphus?" King Wesleynard repeated his voice incredulously, he paused as though he were processing the words cautiously and like he hoped that what he just heard wasn't true.
