Lara reeled back, stunned by the raw fury in Bruno's eyes. She had always seen affection and admiration in his eyes. Those were distant memories now, replaced by a burning resentment she couldn't fathom. It pained her deeply to see him like this, to be the target of his wrath.
"I know you're worried about your father," she ventured. "You are angry about what happened. But the fact is we love each other. I promised to stand by you, no matter what. I am here to support you." She reached out, palms open, a silent plea for connection.
Bruno flinched away, his self-deprecating tone laced with bitterness. "My mistake," he muttered, taking another step back. "I forgot my place. I shouldn't have dreamed about a princess to be mine. Guess I got my punishment for that audacity. I learned my lesson. Now, please, leave."
Lara felt her heartache at his words, but she refused to give up. She stood firmly. "No; I won't leave."
