The tears fall before I can stop them. Not loud or dramatic—just quiet, stubborn drops sliding down my cheeks, making me look weak.
She believes in me. Even now.
Even trapped in that palace with him.
I wipe them away quickly, but they keep coming, blurring the ink.
Handsome.
Powerful.
Different.
Tame his heart.
My mother has always believed in diplomacy wrapped in silk and strategy hidden behind a smile.
But this is war and I know Kei is scheming.
He did not bring me here out of kindness.
He did not free me because he suddenly believes in equality and tea parties.
He has a plan, which makes his current disappearance very suspicious.
Seriously—where has he gone?
It is almost unsettling.
I inhale slowly, forcing the emotion down.
I cannot afford softness, especially not here,
