"Don't forget that I'm here with you two." Therius ruffled Alderaan's hair and looked at both the boy and his wife with an affectionate smile. "I won't let anything or anyone lay a hand on the two of you."
"And before the three of us actually forget it," Emma said and motioned to the men around them. "We're also with Avato and your other men and they won't let anything happen to their king."
"Yes, that's for sure, but I have to let you know that I'm able to hold myself out here alone," Therius replied with a smile. "That was what Xion and I did right after our graduation. We challenged ourselves to visit the Aguilar Wilderness and see who could survive the longest."
It wasn't as painful as it used to be when Therius thought of the man who also loved Emma like he did.
Therius didn't think he'd forgive Xion, but they were still best friends. For now, though, Therius gauged Emma's reaction.
Did Emma look particularly sad when he mentioned Xion?