R e c a p
He leaned closer, his breath brushing her ear. "It's my way of saying you were extraordinary."
.
.
For a moment, all was soft and warm between them, until Daphne turned slightly in her seat, her tone shifting just enough to make his posture tense.
"She knows you," she said quietly. "Queen Mira. Before today. She wasn't just being bold, she was being familiar."
Alaric froze.
Daphne's eyes lifted to meet his in the mirror. "How do you know her, Ric?"
There was a pause, too long for comfort.
Then he exhaled slowly. "We met years ago. On a mission in Aurinon."
"That's all?"
"Yes."
The single word came too quick. It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the truth either.
Daphne turned fully now, facing him. "You never hesitate," she said softly. "Not when you lie, not when you tell the truth. So why now?"
He said nothing.
The flicker in his eyes, guilt, maybe, or shame, was enough to make her heart twist.
"Ric," she pressed gently. "Tell me the truth."
