“I deeply apologize, your majesty, for revealing such an unsightly side of myself to you. It is with great regret that I admit to having grabbed the collar of Duke Valenzia in a moment of heated emotion. I realize now that my actions were unworthy of the decorum expected in your illustrious presence. Please allow me to humbly seek his majesty's forgiveness for my impulsiveness. However, I must confess that the situation prompted an overwhelming surge of protectiveness within me; I could not stand idly by while someone threatened harm against my beloved mother right in front of my very eyes. The pain of seeing a loved one in peril ignited a fervor in my heart that I find difficult to control.” “This child—” a voice attempted to interject, eager to dismiss the young man’s fervent plea. “Si