Later that night, Sir Léon returned to the palace and bathed. I remained in Éviene's room, playing with her until her small bursts of laughter faded into soft yawns. After a while, I sang her a lullaby, my voice low and gentle. When she finally drifted off to sleep, I carefully placed her in her cradle and quietly left the room.
By the time I returned to my chamber, Sir Léon was already asleep.
I slipped into bed beside him, pulling the covers over myself. The room was calm, dimly lit, and still. I closed my eyes, letting the quiet pull me toward sleep—until I felt his arm slide around my waist.
"Are you sleeping?" he murmured, his voice thick with drowsiness.
"Not yet," I whispered.
I turned toward him. His eyes remained closed, but a faint smile rested on his lips.
"The meeting was long… and tiring," he sighed.
"I'm sorry," I said softly. "You wouldn't have to go through all this if it weren't for me."
"No," he replied gently. "Don't say that. I chose to be with you, my queen."
He pulled me closer until there was no space left between us. Face to face, body to body, he opened his eyes and looked directly into mine.
"Let's just stay like this for a while," he said, wrapping his arms around me.
I felt my face grow warm, words escaping me entirely. Slowly, I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat while his arms settled protectively around my back.
"Sir Léon—"
"Don't call me that," he interrupted softly, his hand stroking my back. "Call me Mores… Say it."
"Mores," I said, lifting my gaze to meet his.
His eyes opened fully, dark and intent. For a brief moment, he simply stared at me—then he leaned in and kissed me, deep and unrestrained.
In that moment, I wanted to tell him everything—that I would stand beside him, share every burden, no matter how heavy.
But the words never came.
Instead, a quiet fear settled in my chest. What if I was the burden?
The thought stung, leaving me silent.
Léon pulled away, then drew me tightly into his arms.
"I love you," he murmured, his eyes closing once more as sleep quickly overtook him.
"I love you too," I whispered.
And just like that, we fell asleep in each other's embrace.
The next morning, Prince Jordan arrived at the palace far earlier than expected.
I was seated in the sitting room, the steady ticking of the clock echoing through the quiet space. It was still thirty minutes before lunch when he entered.
"Sister…" His voice broke as he spoke. "She refused to see me."
I looked at him calmly, though his distress was clear.
"This young woman does not love you, Jordan," I said firmly. "Nor does she deserve your love."
He stiffened, but I continued.
"This situation is not as simple as it appears. You are here, exhausting yourself, trying to offer her a future… while she ignores you and leaves you in pain."
I paused before adding, "I will grant you permission to marry—but not Lady Paris."
"Sister, why are you doing this to me?" he protested, his voice rising. "You know I love her!"
"You're judging her without even knowing her," he added bitterly.
"Jordan," I said, meeting his gaze, "I have already investigated this matter."
He fell silent.
"You are the highest-ranking young man in the kingdom. Do you truly believe this 'accident' was mere coincidence?"
I let the weight of my words settle before finishing:
"This was orchestrated… by Count Paris."