"You plan to take things slow, but how slow are we talking?" Theo asked, his brow raised in amusement. "If you drag your feet, she'll be someone else's before you muster the courage to express your feelings."
"I won't make that mistake again," I vowed. "Losing her once was unbearable. I regret letting her go."
Theo's expression turned somber, his eyes clouding with concern. "As Crown Prince, your parents will soon press you to choose a Crown Princess. The Emperor and Empress won't tolerate delay forever." His voice dropped to a serious tone. "Are you prepared to face that reality, Ran? To potentially sacrifice your own desires for the sake of duty?"
My gut twisted, revulsion coursing through my veins. "I know my duty, but the thought of engaging with Lady Luciano again... it makes my blood boil." I paused, steeling myself. "For the sake of the future, I've envisioned some sacrifices as necessary."
