Niran felt uneasy under Raul's intense gaze as they ate. She could hardly focus on her food and finally mumbled, "Please stop staring and let me eat in peace."
Raul burst out laughing, his voice echoing in the garden. "You're getting bold now that I'm giving you special treatment," he said with a playful grin.
Niran's heart raced, realizing she had spoken without thinking. She quickly lowered her head, cheeks flushing. "I apologize, Your Highness."
Still smiling, Raul leaned back, clearly amused. "No need to apologize, Niran. I like your honesty."
She glanced up, still embarrassed but relieved he wasn't upset. Yet his gaze didn't waver. "Go ahead and eat; we've got a long journey ahead," Raul commented casually. Niran nodded weakly and started eating her breakfast, doing her best to ignore the prince's persistent gaze.
