Kaizen froze in the doorway, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of Sylfia, smiling brightly, seated at his table like she belonged there.
He didn't smile back. He rarely did.
"You're here again."
She pouted. "Of course. It's our house, remember?"
He stepped in, closing the door behind him. His expression remained unreadable, but something in his eyes flickered.
She noticed.
"You look troubled," she said.
"That's my usual face."
She rolled her eyes. "You could try being cheerful. There's only one life, Kaizen. If something ever happens to you…" Her voice trembled slightly. "Even you aren't invincible."
Kaizen turned to the table. "Let's eat."
A sudden crash of thunder shook the window. Rain began to pour outside, heavy and cold.
They ate in silence for a while. Sylfia watched him carefully. She saw the way his shoulders relaxed, even just a little, while tasting the food.
"You like it," she teased.
He didn't answer, but the corners of his mouth twitched.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted her spoon, offering him a bite of the cake she had made. He didn't resist.
"I need to tell you something," she said, her voice quiet now. "My father… he's going to advance the marriage. Officially. He wants it announced at the next gathering."
Kaizen froze mid-bite. Then he stood up, his chair scraping back sharply.
"I told him already. I don't want this," he said, his voice tense. "He forced me into this engagement for prestige. Because I'm the youngest vice-captain. Because I'm a name to boost the family's status."
Sylfia's eyes widened. "Kaizen—"
"Because of my status," he cut her off.
"Because Euphelia the dryades princess is your cousin. One more jewel in the crown."
He stopped, breathing hard. Realizing too late he had lashed out.
Sylfia stood too, hurt flashing in her eyes. She turned away and headed toward the door without another word.
The rain had turned the world outside into a cold wall of grey.
"Wait," he said softly, chasing after her. He caught her arm gently and pulled her into his chest. The rain soaked through both their clothes.
"I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I'm angry… but not at you."
She didn't answer, her face buried against him.
"You'll catch a cold," he said, his voice lower now. "And I don't want to marry a sick wife."
She looked up at him, cheeks red. "You said wife."
He smirked slightly.
They went back inside together, the tension softening between them.
---
After sneaking back into the palace soaked to the bone, Euphelia avoided the main hall and slipped into the maid quarters, still wearing her disguise.
Just before turning a corner, she heard voices.
"…ducan palace affairs. Did you hear what happened?"
"I did. Vordellan family's young master finally got his revenge. That lowborn who embarrassed him? Paralyzed."
Euphelia stopped cold. Roland Vordellan. The noble Damon defeated. Her hands clenched.
She turned away. She needed to find Kael. Tomorrow. First thing. She couldn't sneak out again tonight—too many guards.
---
In the refugee camp, the storm had passed. Inside the healer's tent, Carlos looked up at Kael, Russell, and Lina with a small smile.
"He's out of danger. You can see him now. He's awake."
Lina rushed forward. Kael exhaled, shoulders sagging.
Finally, a breath of hope.
---