"I wasn't trying to be cruel," she added quickly. "But things are not what they seem, Richard. Between all the secrets, the chaos in my life, and people trying to rip my name to shreds… I don't want to drag you into it—at least not until I know what is actually going on."
"You're not dragging me into anything," he said, his voice firmer now. "I came here on my own. I'm not some helpless bystander. If I want to stand by you, I will."
Her eyes flicked back up to meet his. "Even if it gets worse?"
"I'm not afraid of worse," he replied simply.
She studied him, her heart growing tight in the process.
There was something disarming about the way he looked at her—like he saw straight through all the defenses, the sarcasm, the smiles that masked exhaustion. And he didn't flinch.
Which made what she had to say even harder.
"I'm flying to Rovencia this afternoon," she said quietly.
