Without waiting for her reply, he lay beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her into his warmth.
Liv slowly relaxed in his embrace.
Minutes slipped by in silence before she spoke, barely above a whisper.
"Jay…"
"Mm?"
"After the wedding… we're going back to the territory, right?"
Jay nodded without hesitation.
"Yes. I have no reason to remain in the capital any longer."
Liv gave a small nod, one that wasn't forced this time.
That answer, strangely, brought her relief.
Jay noticed it. He always did. And for a moment, it looked like he wanted to ask why.
But he didn't.
Instead, he pulled her closer, his voice low and warm against her ear.
"Sleep. I'm here."
And in that quiet room, without tears or arguments, just one simple promise:
Liv finally felt safe again.
The next morning, soft sunlight filtered through the curtains of the room they were staying in, the same room Liv used to sleep in before becoming a Duchess.
Liv woke first.
