A secret

"But what about the duty you have towards your mother who gave birth to you? Did she raise you for this day? Did she raise you to say that you won't be able to see her for the last time because you have someone else to look after?"

Alexander said stepping into the picture.

"Y-your highness," both of the guards stood up before bowing down in front of him.

"You work under me, not my father. I am the one who's giving you permission to go and visit your mother who needs your presence the most now. Who knows that your mother might come back from her deathbed by seeing her son?" He was strict in the beginning but his tone softened down towards the end.

"But you need my protection, your highness."