plant.
“I do. And I share them.” She pauses, then adds quietly, “Lucian also mentioned his suspicion about your connection to her.”
My jaw tightens.
“That’s—”
“A private matter, yes. You made that clear.” She turns to look at me fully, her eyes direct but not unkind. “But Kieran, Daciana is more than just my guard. She’s my friend. One of the few people in this palace I trust completely.”
“Which is why she needs better protection than she’s currently receiving,” I say, keeping my voice level.
“Is that really why you’re so concerned?” Astra asks softly. “Or is there something else? Something you’re not telling us?”
I meet Astra’s gaze steadily, weighing my options. The truth will change everything. But if I want to keep Daciana close, if I want to protect her properly, I have no choi
