Althea nodded without hesitation. “Yes. I don’t remember everything. I don’t remember us. But I know this much. I don’t want uncertainty hanging over me or over you. I don’t want whispers about my blood, my father, or whether I belong. If standing beside you openly ends those doubts, then I’ll stand there.”

His throat tightened. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he exhaled slowly, as if grounding himself. “You’re sure?” he asked, his voice low. “This isn’t ...