Zora looked at the handsome face before her, so carefully composed yet so clearly nervous, and the corner of her lips curved upward in amusement.
"I already said it," she replied lightly. "If you didn't hear it clearly, then forget it."
With that, she took a step forward as if ready to leave.
Before she could move another inch, Prince Kael caught her by the elbow, stopping her firmly.
"Once more," he said urgently. "Just once. Please. Say it again."
His grip was gentle but resolute, as if letting go would cost him everything.
Zora had no way of knowing just how much that answer meant to him.
For the first time in his life, there was a woman he cherished more than his own existence, a woman he longed for yet feared losing with a single word. Even if the world laughed at him for it, even if she rejected him, he knew one thing clearly.
He would never give up.
Because in his heart, no one could ever replace her.
