Pft...Honestly, in the MC's position, I would have used that dagger on Dalia the moment it was in my hands. Damned if I die for it afterward. xD His personality is so entirely different when away from his abusers. He's stoic, fearful but rebellious, and quietly seething against his family... (enough that he purposely pissed Dalia off during the 'celebration'.) But with King Barrett, his bethrothed, and the others...he's more gentle, friendly, and nervously subdued but hopeful.
I'm looking forward to hopefully more and maybe the chance to bring down our Father and Dalia someday (if that is Alek's goal. My MC is more then ready to wholly devote themself to their new husband and family and screw those abusive bastards related by blood to him. xD)
If I was the mom, I'd be vengefully cursing my husband and children from the afterlife for treating any baby of mine that way. A mother doesn't give her life for her child only for them to be abused. >8(