A stranger

Hrolf gave Gael a long stare. A servant had brought the food into his room and although it was before him, he didn't touch it. He was staring squarely at his father, his lips set in a hard line.

"Why are you being like this?" Hrolf sighed, breaking the silence.

"I won't eat it until Ashina is released." Gael maintained his stance, giving his father an unwavering look.

"Gael, you have to eat to be strong." Hrolf held his hands, they were so cold.

His son had gotten his stubbornness from him no doubt. Gael looked away, refusing to listen to anything his father had to say.

He didn't want to succumb no matter what his father said. He missed Ashina and hearing that she was still locked up because of him, because of his carelessness made him feel guilty.

"Just do this for me, please Daddy." Gael clutched his tummy when he felt pangs of hunger.

Although he was stubborn, that didn't stop him from feeling the pangs of hunger.

"See you're hungry and yet you're proving stubborn." Hrolf chuckle