Speaking Privately

Seraphina's POV

As I stepped out of King Orion's office and walked down the corridors, my mind was still occupied with thoughts about the so-called engagement arrangement. I hadn't even fully processed it yet, and now I had to figure out how I felt about it, what I was going to do next, and whether or not I could actually go through with something like this.

I was so deep in thought that I almost didn't notice when someone stepped directly into my path.

Prince Darius.

He stood in front of me with a small, polite smile, his dark hair neatly styled, his posture effortlessly regal. His eyes studied me, unreadable but not unkind.

I furrowed my brows. "Your Highness," I greeted, tilting my head slightly. "Were you…waiting for me?"

Darius nodded without hesitation. "I was."