City of Mirage

Mirabella went still for a moment, unable to process what had just happened. One moment the king was talking about effective methods to uncover the mystery surrounding her, and the next moment he hugged her. Her eyes narrowed as she wriggled in his embrace, but how could the strength of a sparrow compare to that of a giant hawk?

"What are you doing?" she demanded, trying to push him away. With her cheeks planted flat against the king's chest, she could clearly hear the steady and powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Release me, now!" she struggled, her voice rising in anger.

But Eros didn't release her. Instead, he tightened his hold on her waist, making her gasp in surprise.

"You..."

"Hugs are effective against sadness and loneliness. Aren't you sad, missing your father and your crew?" he asked softly. He intentionally mentioned Gideon as her father, successfully halting her struggle.