â Itâs â Itâs not much, but ... â Licht didnât know what he liked, did he? Riches and jewelry were reached within his touch, attained rule and power that reached to the end of Granzreich. Until now, he felt they were nothing more than father and son by title, king and prince, a stranger and another stranger sharing the same blood. He held out the presentation in a tray, smile faltering from his own nerves. Would melange and sachertorte be grand enough of a gesture? â Happy Fatherâs Day. â
In truth it had slipped his mind what day it was. Work often made the days blend together, a busy schedule upon each and a kingdom whose needs would always need being met. Never once had he regretted the path he had chosen, yet he worried for the effect that it had upon his children. It was perhaps too difficult to be both a good king and a good father.Â
So when he sees Licht, his eyes almost instantly brighten. His youngest son had perhaps suffered the most at his hand, never having had the time to properly spend with him, properly get to know him. Yet in recent months perhaps that was beginning to change, or so he liked to think. Something else to thank Heine for without a doubt. Though he adored his kingdom and its people, Viktor held no greater treasure than his family.Â
The tray in Lichtâs hands is filled with deserts, beautifully aligned and presented in a way that he must have learned in his work. His youngest son was growing up before him and it was almost enough to bring him to tears. In fact he could feel them welling in the corners of his eyes.Â
âItâs a treasure beyond treasures,â Viktor answered, his smile bright as his voice. The king radiated joy and pride; what could he have possibly done to earn such a wonderful son? Surely he had been blessed beyond what any one man ought be allowed. âSachertorte is one of my favourites, how did you know? It is a perfect gift save for one thing that is lacking.âÂ
âSomeone to share it with, of course. I could not possibly eat all this myself, would you not join me for a bit and share it with me? Iâd love to hear about how your lessons are faring. Did you make these yourself?â
He takes a bite of the cake and one of the tears he is trying to hold back slips down his cheek. âThe best Sachertorte I have ever had.â And there would never be any better, because this had been a gift from his beloved son. Â
âThank you Licht. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful son.â More than I have words to tell you with.Â