Upgraded Relationship

A tense silence drifted between the two brothers, thick as fog, as they locked eyes.

Kaisen, with a sly smile that suggested he'd just told a harmless joke—except it wasn't harmless at all—faced off against Kayden, whose expression was as serious as a tax audit.

Kaisen braced himself. He was almost certain Kayden was about to lose his cool and kick him out of the palace faster than a bouncer at a shady nightclub.

Hell, Kaisen didn't even know why he'd said it in the first place. It was like a little gremlin in his brain had taken control of his mouth, whispering that the outcome might be different than he expected.

"Are you serious?"

Kayden asked, his tone as sharp as a dagger. Kaisen immediately raised his hands in surrender.

"Nah, just kiddi—"

"Of course," Kayden interrupted, his voice smooth as silk. "If my dear brother wants her, she's yours. I'm not angry; I'm actually glad. She's all yours, brother."

"..."

"..."