"Father, may I come in?"
A knock echoed from the front, startling Alvaron.
He looked up and replied, "Come in."
Clack!
The door opened, and Rafine entered with a calm expression.
Her face was as beautiful as ever, but Alvaron noticed a subtle wrinkle on her forehead—something his daughter seemed to be trying to hide.
His eyebrows rose involuntarily. He set down his quill and leaned back in his chair.
"What is it, Rafine? Did something happen to Prince Nolan?" he asked, curious.
Alvaron already knew about Rafine and Nolan's relationship from his wife.
Still, he remained surprised that Nolan, somehow, had managed to stir his daughter—who was usually cold and indifferent toward men.
That only deepened his curiosity. He even wondered if the young man was truly as foolish and insolent as the rumors claimed.
If so, why would Rafine get nervous around him? And why had she willingly danced with him at the Emperor's birthday banquet?
