The rule of Grimsbanne

Abel crossed his arms, a coat was draped over his shoulders. Standing in front of the window in the hallway, his eyes fell on the carriage moving away through the driveway. The side of his lips curled up, knowing the carriage passengers were none other than Sunny and Dexter. 

"Dexter…" he whispered, chuckling weakly. "... you should just continue loathing me. Do not falter or show the slightest concern. It's more reassuring that way."

His eyelids drooped and, at the same time, a glint flickered across his eyes. They were softer than usual, but no one could tell what exactly was in his mind. 

Abel kept his eyes on the carriage slowly approaching the wide gates of the imperial palace. "That child…" he trailed off, recalling everything Sunny had spewed carelessly. "... somehow makes me sorrowful."