.

As soon as he returned, Sebastian had gone to visit Lei out of pure worry. His friend looked delicate, breakable almost, for the first time in her life. But despite this change, she refused to be broken and was cheerful and always talking, which was a relief to Sebastian. He didn't want to face the same sickening science that he had faced in the cell. Sebastian had chosen to stay by her side, but due to all the paperwork, he was now sitting next to her as he rearranged the monthly income of the palace by months. 

"Sebastian. I have something to tell you." Lei said, beaming, and Sebastian nodded along, putting a header that read May behind one that read January. She probably had a lot to blabber on about since they hadn't seen eachother in months. "Mhm. what is it?"

"I'm going to run away." 

Sebastian stopped rearranging the papers and looked at her. "With who?" 

"Oh, right, you haven't met him yet. This person named Christopher! He's the prince of the Lekan kingdom! He's sooooo handsome and treats me well and he's going to marry me." Lei said, happily, and Sebastian looked up. Of course, he knew Christopher existed thanks to Jylan, but not enough that he wasn't doubtful. And it was exactly like Lei to brag about her secret lover to servants. 

"Are you sure? Lei? You're confident in this person?" Sebastian asked and Lei furiously nodded and then nervously looked at her hands. "Uhm! yes! so… can I?"

"What? Why are you asking me?" Sebastian asked, confused. He had now laid down the reports, forgotten, and was looking intently at her. "Lei. Please do whatever makes you happy. The marriage hasn't been finalized yet. Even if this fails, we can always go back to our arrangement." Sebastian said and Lei looked at him. Then her lips parted in a bright, beautiful smile, and she threw her arms around him. 

"Thanks, Sebas!"