If anyone else were present, they would never believe their eyes.
This was the same Prince Kael who had faced life and death without changing expression, the same man who remained calm even when his legs were crippled.
And yet now, he looked like someone standing on the edge of a cliff, afraid the ground beneath him might vanish.
Zora looked at the handsome face before her, so carefully composed yet so clearly nervous, and the corner of her lips curved upward in amusement.
"I already said it," she replied lightly. "If you didn't hear it clearly, then forget it."
With that, she took a step forward as if ready to leave.
Before she could move another inch, Prince Kael caught her by the elbow, stopping her firmly.
"Once more," he said urgently. "Just once. Please. Say it again."
His grip was gentle but resolute, as if letting go would cost him everything.
Zora had no way of knowing just how much that answer meant to him.
