His proposition

"What are you doing here, King Marino?" Elliana made sure to use his new designation.

She didn't need to turn around to see that it was indeed him who came, and her gaze shifted to Nathaniel, who had a sad smile on his face.

Of course, he was sad. To protect the one person who meant everything to him, he had to go to another man and ask him for this favor.

"How have you been, princess?" Sebastian whispered in a low voice, his voice full of his emotions that he was feeling at the moment.

Happiness that he finally saw her? Frustration that he couldn't touch her? Relief that she was safe? Discomfort that he had to talk to formally?

"That's not the answer to my question," Elliana whispered, not wanting to give in to her heart that already wanted to hug him and melt into his arms.

"Can we have a moment alone?" Sebastian asked, and Nathaniel sighed before nodding.

Elliana looked at her friend who was also her half brother in disbelief.