Rufus’s expression was unreadable, but Kaius saw the shift in his demeanor. He wasn’t used to being denied. And he sure as hell wasn’t used to losing.
Without another word, Rufus stood, his movements controlled but tense. He turned sharply, motioning for his daughter to follow. Dhalia lingered for a second, her mouth opening slightly as if she wanted to say something. But then, finally, she turned, her shoulders sagging as she walked away.
As the doors of the grand hall closed behind King Rufus and his daughter, the air in the room remained thick with tension. Kaius stood still, his fists clenched at his sides as if trying to root himself in place, to stop himself from feeling the lingering ache in his chest. He refused to let the weight of the rejection, of what had just transpired, dra
