Elara’s POV
“No.”
The word left my mouth before my brain caught up. His hand was still locked around my wrist, and every nerve ending beneath his fingers screamed in protest at my refusal.
Kaelen’s eyes narrowed. “That wasn’t a request.”
“I have plans tonight.” I tugged my wrist. He didn’t let go. “Brenna is expecting me. And Valerius—”
“Your son has a caretaker, and she will manage,” Kaelen dismissed my concerns casually. A teasing glint caught his dark gold eyes. “For someone who usually has so much to say, you look like a speechless commoner right now.”
I opened my mouth to argue again, but the words failed me. “One concern,” I finally said, grasping for any remaining thread of resistance. “This dress.” I gestured down at my simple work gown. “I can’t walk into a state banquet loo
