"I love you," Cynthia whispered, her voice carrying a lingering hint of affection.
Lucian's brows furrowed in disbelief.
"W-What?" he managed to say, his tone dropping to a near whisper, his eyes widening as if he had just received the biggest shock imaginable.
"I said—"
"Don't." He raised his hand, shaking his head as disbelief washed over him. She was obviously lying. Nothing about her felt real. Her kind behavior, her smiles, even her words—all of it seemed like a cruel illusion. For a moment, he had almost fallen for her act.
"Your Highness," Cynthia stepped closer, fists clenched in anxiety. Had she messed things up? Was she mistaken? Did he not have any feelings for her yet? She believed that somewhere beneath his armor, he had begun to feel something other than hatred.
