Amara chuckled softly, the sound lighter than the somber air that had filled the palace since their arrival. "Almost," she conceded. "But then you go and do something unexpected, like kneeling by my bed and saying things that make me—" She paused, searching for the right words. "That make me think you're not as indifferent as you pretend to be."
Rafael's gaze flicked to her, his expression unreadable again. "You think too much, Your Highness."
"And you pretend too much, Rafael," she shot back, her tone laced with challenge. " What is it you're so afraid of? Could it be me by any chance?"
He didn't answer immediately, instead allowing the silence to stretch between them.
"I'm not afraid," he finally said, his voice quiet but firm. "I'm cautious."
"Cautious of what?" she pressed, leaning forward slightly. "Of me?" she continued teasing.
