[ Royal Palace: The Queen's Palace ]
"Are you alright now?" Abel wiped the lingering tears from the corner of her eyes with his thumb. "The Mainland isn't healthy for you — I knew it. You've been crying more than before."
Aries pressed her lips into a thin line while its corners curled up. "About that…" she trailed off when Abel shook his head.
"Do not push yourself, darling." Abel kept his hand on her cheek. "If you aren't ready to tell me, then don't. I'd rather wait."
"Are you thinking I will lie about it?"
"No, of course not. It is just that I might seek trouble." Abel let out a deep exhale, retrieving his hand from her cheek. "However, if you do need an ear, I can lend you mine. It was just that I was not good at keeping quiet. I always look for a solution and there's no greater solution than taking out the roots."
He paused, looking her straight in the eye. "Are you ready to tell me what's wrong?"
