Her last present

Zenna stared at her reflection in the mirror, her expression dull despite the flawless work Pia had done to make her look presentable. There was no excitement in her heart, no anticipation for the palace visit.

"Why didn't you eat?"

Radulf's voice reached her ears. She turned her head slightly to see him leaning against the doorframe with crossed arms.

Pia bowed quietly and excused herself, leaving them alone in the dressing room.

Zenna let out a soft sigh before rising to her feet. "Are you still upset with me?" she asked. "The thought of marking you never crossed my mind," she admitted honestly.

Radulf's jaw tensed, but he said nothing.

She took a hesitant step toward him. "Also… I felt that after my awakening, I should mark you." Her fingers curled slightly at her sides. "I wanted it to be at the right time when I truly felt ready to claim you as mine. That's what I thought not long ago."