"Where can I find this elixir?" Mia inquired carefully, her brows furrowed with a mixture of hope and concern.
"Honestly, I'm not particularly knowledgeable about it," Aiden admitted. "What I do understand is that access is restricted, reserved for those esteemed by the empire."
Mia bit her lip lightly, wrestling with her thoughts. It was clear from Aiden's tone he wasn't outright refusing. To him, Mia's request aligned astonishingly well with the king's command — essentially the trial he had to undergo.
Her eyes reflected a growing unease. "Is that truly all you know?"
With a hesitant nod, Mia continued, "I've been privy to mere whispers and hearsay. Nothing concrete." Her worry that Aiden might reject her request was palpable.
Internally debating, Mia considered a backup plea, certain Aiden would decline such a formidable undertaking. Yet she was unprepared for his next words.
