The Grand Duke, once a commanding figure ruling the vast seas and still a legendary admiral holding the Navy Headquarters under his iron grip, had somehow become, in Valentin’s eyes, a lonely and pitiable old man.  

Reynard, well-acquainted with Valentin’s tendency to view the world through a lens of love and empathy, could barely suppress a smirk. That his mate would apply such sentiments to his formidable father amused him deeply. But laughing aloud would brand him as both an ungrateful son and an insensitive husband dismissive of his mate’s feelings—neither of which he could afford.  

Instead, Reynard …