–Alyssa–
I understand now why he trusts me.
I'm in his bedroom, cheering him up without interrupting him. Just being here. Present. Quiet. He naturally teaches me a few things—what I should see, what I shouldn't. Aunt Ines once told me this is how our Empire works, and now, I finally understand what she meant.
I used to imagine how my family handled things. A few people here and there. Maybe hired assassins. Or perhaps my big brother secretly commanding an entire army. That was how I liked to picture him—untouchable, terrifying, brilliant.
"I already prepared things for our trip," I said casually.
He turned his head toward me.
"It's three days away," he grinned. "Are you that excited?"
"Of course." I smiled playfully and reached for his shirt. "We can have our early honeymoon."
He froze.
Straightened.
Muttered something to himself that I couldn't quite catch.
Then he turned to me, eyes sharp.
"Is this why you checked the internet on how to please a man?"
