_Author’s POV_
Thessaly knew that she might not be the smartest person in any room, but she possessed one skill that few others had mastered—reading people’s emotions and motivations.
Calden’s silence could mean many different things—anger, acquiescence, exhaustion, disinterest, or deep contemplation.
But at this particular moment, the way he clenched his jaw and the slightly downcast angle of his eyes meant one very specific thing, he was genuinely annoyed with her.
Thessaly crafted her next words very carefully, like a chess player considering her moves.
“I’m sorry if I misspoke earlier. I didn’t mean to sound like I was avoiding Ryenold’s parents.”
She paused, watching his reaction before continuing.
“But I don’t think visiting them right now is necessarily a good
