𝐕.
Halden never had the chance to grieve Alic properly. As soon as word was received of his brother's death, responsibility immediately fell onto his shoulders in the shape of a crown.
𝐈𝐕.
The reason Halden turns his back on the venin war is to keep his little brother safe. He feels that if Navarre doesn't get involved, Cam would be safe behind the wards.
To him, his brother matters more than any of the people he's supposed to rule over.