---
"Highness?" she whispered.
"Yes?"
Vel hesitated, her antennae curling slightly. "Tell me… was it frightening? To surrender to a male? And… Are you truly serious about… sharing him with us? You've always treated us like sisters, but… we're not royalty like you."
Akayoroi's expression softened. She reached out and placed a gentle hand on Vel's shoulder, her touch warm, steady.
"It was terrifying," she said, voice low. "And perfect."
Vel blinked.
"I didn't surrender because I was weak. I chose him because he made me feel seen, cherished not for my title, but for who I was beneath the shell. And yes," she added, a playful gleam flickering in her eyes, "I meant it when I said I can't handle him alone."
Vel's face flushed with confusion and something more.
