The demand cracked through the silence like a whip. Zion flinched, just a little.
He inhaled once. Then spoke, eyes still averted. "I confessed to her that I was in love with her for years."
There was a brief pause before he continued, "And she kissed me. That wasn't heat. That was her reply to my confession."
Leah's eyes flicked sideways. "So you liked her even though you've known for years she's your aunt?"
Zion turned his face away further, toward the corner of the window, voice barely audible now. "She's not my aunt."
Another pause. The words came out softer—almost vulnerable.
"At least… not legally."
Silence followed.
Leah's grip on the steering wheel tightened.
She took a slow breath. "You do know, Zion," she said, her voice level, "that in two years, you'll be ascending to the throne of Camelot."
Zion remained quiet.
