Chapter 42
The carriage did not stop.
And neither did Kael.
Not his presence.
Not his touch.
Not his attention.
Lyria shifted slightly, though not to move away—just enough to look up at him properly.
"You really don't get tired, do you?" she asked.
"No."
"That's not normal."
"It is for me."
She raised a brow. "Of what? Sitting this close to someone?"
"Yes."
She stared at him for a second, then let out a small breath. "You're impossible."
"And yet," Kael replied calmly, "you are still here."
"That's because you won't let me go."
"That is correct."
There was no shame in his tone.
No hesitation either.
Lyria shook her head, but there was no real resistance in it anymore.
"…You say things so easily."
"I say what is true."
"That doesn't mean you have to say it like that."
"How should I say it?"
She paused. "…Less… certain."
"No."
That made her laugh softly despite herself.
"You don't even try."
"There is no need to."
"Why?"
Kael looked at her—really looked this time.
Because now, she wasn't avoiding his gaze.
She was meeting it.
"Because you are not leaving."
Her heartbeat skipped again.
"You sound very sure of that."
"I am."
"You don't think I have a choice?"
"You do."
"Then?"
"You are choosing not to use it."
That—
Left her quiet.
Not because she disagreed.
But because she knew he was right.
Lyria looked down slightly, her fingers brushing absentmindedly against his sleeve.
"…You've been holding me like this for days."
"Yes."
"Weeks."
"Yes."
"Even when I sleep."
"Yes."
She glanced back up at him. "Why?"
Kael didn't hesitate this time.
"Because you stay."
"That's not an answer."
"It is."
"No, it's not," she insisted. "That's the result. I'm asking for the reason."
Kael was quiet for a moment.
Not avoiding.
Choosing.
Then—
"Because I remember what it felt like when you didn't."
The words were simple.
But they landed heavier than anything else he had said.
Lyria's expression softened.
"…I didn't think it affected you that much."
"It did."
"You didn't show it."
"I do not show most things."
"That's not fair."
"It is not meant to be."
She studied him carefully.
"…You really don't hold back anymore, do you?"
"No."
"Not even a little?"
"No."
Lyria leaned back slightly, though still within his arm.
"…Then what happens if I tell you to let go?"
Kael's grip didn't loosen.
His gaze didn't change.
"Do you want me to?"
She opened her mouth—
Then closed it.
"…No."
"Then I will not."
Her cheeks warmed slightly, but she didn't look away.
"Kael…"
"Yes."
"…You've become very… comfortable."
"With you."
"I noticed."
"Good."
She huffed softly. "You're not even trying to hide it."
"I am not hiding anything."
"That's new."
"Yes."
"…Why now?"
Kael's thumb moved again at her side—slow, familiar, grounding.
"The circumstances have changed."
"How?"
"I have you."
Her breath caught slightly.
"…You say that like I'm something you acquired."
"No," he corrected calmly. "Like something I chose."
That—
Was worse.
Or maybe better.
She wasn't sure anymore.
"…And what if I say I chose too?" she asked quietly.
Kael stilled.
Not his hold—
But something deeper.
"You did," he said.
"No," she shook her head slightly. "Not like that."
Silence.
"…I'm saying it now."
That made him look at her differently.
Not softer.
But sharper.
More aware.
"Then say it clearly," he said.
Her heart began to race again.
"Why?"
"Because I want to hear it."
"You already know."
"I still want to hear it."
Lyria hesitated.
Just for a second.
Then—
"…I'm not staying because you won't let me go."
Kael didn't move.
"I'm staying," she continued, her voice quieter now, "because I want to."
That—
Changed something.
Not visibly.
But undeniably.
Kael's hand shifted slightly at her waist, pulling her just a little closer.
"Then do not leave," he said.
"I just said I wouldn't."
"Say it again."
She blinked. "What?"
"Say it again."
"…You're serious?"
"Yes."
Lyria let out a small breath, shaking her head slightly.
"…I'm not leaving, Kael."
"Good."
"You're very demanding."
"I am precise."
"That's not better."
"It is to me."
She smiled faintly.
"…You're different."
"No."
"Yes, you are."
"I am the same."
"You talk more."
"For you."
"You say things you didn't say before."
"For you."
"You look at me like…" she trailed off.
"Like what?"
"…Like I matter more than everything else."
Kael didn't hesitate.
"You do."
Her breath caught again.
"…Kael."
"Yes."
"…That's dangerous."
"I know."
"And you're still doing it."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Because this time—
He didn't hesitate at all.
"Because I have no intention of losing you again."
Silence filled the carriage.
But it wasn't heavy.
It wasn't uncertain.
It was full.
Lyria leaned slightly into him this time.
Not because he pulled her.
But because she wanted to.
And Kael noticed.
Of course he did.
His arm adjusted around her naturally, holding her closer without force.
Without question.
"…You're not going to let anything come between this, are you?" she asked softly.
"No."
"Even the palace?"
"No."
"Even the Queen?"
"No."
"Even—"
"Yes."
She stopped, then laughed quietly.
"You didn't even let me finish."
"I do not need to."
"…You're very confident."
"I am certain."
She closed her eyes briefly, resting her head lightly against him.
"…Then don't change when we get back."
"I won't."
"Promise?"
"I do not make promises."
Her eyes opened slightly. "…That's not reassuring."
"I make decisions."
"And?"
"I have decided."
Her voice softened.
"…About me?"
"Yes."
She didn't ask again.
Didn't question it.
Didn't pull away.
And for the first time—
She didn't feel like she needed to.