If this were a normal night, she would have felt flattered and beautiful. However, she could only sense pity coming from this man. Instead of slipping the dress off, she crossed her arms and walked away from Fenris's reach. She returned to the vanity and leaned on it again.
She murmured, "Why do you try to repair whatever is between us, Fenris? You never loved me like that."
The king walked behind her again and placed something on her head. He whispered, "I don't want you to hate me for protecting you, Melaka. Not when I need you the most."
Melaka lifted her face and froze at what she saw. Fenris lightly held her arms and smiled. "Melaka, this is also for the Middlemist you built with me. My heart might not have found its way to you… but I believe you're still the best fit for it. Ever since you came to my study that day, I've never sought anyone else for this. I've even filled the inner court for women who would support you."
