[Haldor's POV—Midnight—Same Day]
When my eyes opened, I didn't immediately realize what was wrong. Then the stillness hit me. The quiet. The darkness outside the window.
Midnight.
I jerked upright so fast the blanket fell off me.
I slept.
I SLEPT.
My breath stopped. My heart crashed against my ribs like a trapped beast. "I left her… alone."
My hands trembled as I grabbed my shirt—half pulling it on, buttons misaligned, sleeves twisted. I didn't care. Shame burned hotter than fever.
I grabbed my sword, fingers gripping the hilt too tightly—and threw open the door.
But the moment the door swung wide—"Ah—!"
I froze.
She froze.
The world froze.
Princess Lavinia… was standing right outside my room. Holding a small cake. A small… strawberry… cake. Her eyes blinked up at me as she instinctively stepped back.
"Wow…" she murmured softly, eyes widening, "I almost lost the cake to your open… muscle."
I blinked.
Then looked down.
