Jordan was still sitting on the balcony when Chyna rushed back into the room.
She practically ran in.
"Jordan!!" she called out, panic in her voice. "Jordan!"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he remained seated by the balcony, his back turned to her.
Chyna's heart tightened.
She slowed down as she approached him cautiously.
"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to hurt you earlier."
Jordan finally turned.
His expression was calm—but unreadable.
"Your parents want you back for the royal ball," he said simply. "You'll go to Grandcrest, and then you'll return here after the event."
Chyna's eyes widened slightly.
"…Why are you saying it like that?"
Her voice shook a little.
"I said I'm sorry," she repeated, sinking slightly toward the floor in distress. "I didn't mean it like that…"
Jordan sighed softly.
"Yna," he said more gently now, "I wasn't angry at you. I just wanted to see your reaction."
He leaned back slightly.
"I don't want to send you away either."
Chyna looked up at him.
"Then why are you doing it?"
Jordan's gaze softened.
"Because I have to. You are their daughter."
Her shoulders dropped slightly.
"I don't want to go back," she admitted quietly. "Grandcrest is still dangerous. Dylan could capture me again."
Jordan immediately straightened.
"That won't happen."
He stood and walked toward her.
"I'll send half of the Shadow Troop with you. You'll be protected at all times."
Chyna hesitated.
Jordan added gently, "We'll still see each other in three days."
"Three days?" she repeated, startled.
"I'll visit whenever I can," he promised. "Is that okay?"
She stared at him for a moment before finally nodding.
"…You promise?"
Jordan smiled faintly.
"I promise."
Chyna finally exhaled and nodded.
"Okay… I'll go."
Jordan nodded as well.
"You leave tomorrow morning. The maids are already packing your things."
"Alright," she whispered.
But instead of stepping away, she suddenly grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her.
Jordan blinked.
"What are you—"
"I don't want to thank you," she interrupted quickly.
He raised a brow.
"Oh?"
"I don't want to thank you because you're not doing it for me," she muttered, cheeks slightly flushed. "You're doing it because you want me to be okay."
A small smile appeared on Jordan's face.
"That's right."
Before either of them could say more, a knock interrupted them.
Jordan frowned slightly.
"Yes?"
A maid's voice came through the door.
"Your Highness… there is someone here. She claims she knows you."
Jordan paused.
"I'm not expecting anyone," he muttered.
"What is her name?" he asked.
"Princess Daya of Northern Lights."
The room went still.
Jordan's eyes widened slightly.
"…Daya?"
Chyna immediately looked up.
"Who is that?" she asked.
Jordan exhaled slowly.
"She's Jody's friend from The Academy," he explained. "She disappeared after I rejected her years ago. We've been searching for her ever since."
Chyna's expression tightened slightly.
"And now she's here?"
Jordan nodded.
"She just showed up at the palace."
Chyna narrowed her eyes.
"How do you know she's not here for revenge?"
Jordan met her gaze.
"I don't," he admitted honestly. "That's why we'll go and find out."
He gently took her hand.
"Stay close to me."
And together, they walked downstairs.