Re: Esteem.
"Dad," Brayden said, surprised. He glanced to Sif, but was quickly encompassed by his father and was forced to stay in that spot for several, long seconds. He relented soon and returned his dad's hug. It was easier than he thought to keep his cool in front of Sif and not let his emotions spring back up. He had a job to do.
"Yes, your majesty," Sif said to the eldest dark-haired man. "He is a capable, diligent young man," she replied, almost dismissively. Of course he was. "Yes," she gave a nod and allowed the pair to have a moment, quickly taking over the task that Brayden had been in the process of completing. She was to join the Valkyries in their guardian duties throughout the kingdom, which was a massive task in itself. There were only so many. But the guards and others had also been assigned to 'up security'. They would not fail another child.
"I'm staying," Brayden said quickly. "This is my job;" exhale, "if we all stopped doing what we're supposed to do, then things would get worse." Right? That's what he'd been telling himself. "I'm fine, dad. It's..." fuck. His eyes welled a bit. "Better to keep busy. Go do whatever you're supposed to do. I'm fine. Really."