"I was the real reward, hmm?"
Bella's voice carried that teasing lilt, amused and light, trailing down Aaron's ears like something he hadn't quite expected. He blinked, caught off guard for just a moment, before his composure settled back into place as naturally as breathing. He turned toward her and nodded without a shred of hesitation.
"That's correct, empress." His words came out steady, unbothered. "You're very beautiful and also very patient and understanding. In my eyes, having you as a partner is much more valuable than any bloodline connection."
Bella said nothing to that. She didn't laugh or dismiss him or throw a sharp remark back. She simply remained quiet, and her hand moved instead. Another swipe of her fingers through the air, and a new screen bloomed into existence before them — but this one was different from the others. It hung perfectly still, motionless, like someone had plucked a painting from a gallery wall and suspended it in the middle of the air.
