On his way back from the Emperor's audience hall, Zayden encountered Diana.
They spoke briefly—simple words exchanged out of courtesy rather than comfort. She asked mostly about their mother's well-being. Her brother was never the source of her worry. He remained safe by the Crown Prince's side, for now.
After the long journey, Zayden finally reached his mansion. Without pausing to think, his feet carried him straight toward Ren's bedchamber. It was like a habit he had developed. Or rather, tried to.
He opened the door.
No one was there.
Only the faint remnants of the omega's pheromones lingered in the air, already beginning to fade.
Zayden swallowed hard, his pulse quickening.
Had he left?
The thought alone made his heart race rapidly. Panic seized him before he could think of reasons. He turned sharply and rushed back into the corridor, his gaze darting across the dim hallways.
