Chapter 22:

I push open the door to Caspian's chambers, balancing the tray of breakfast carefully in my hands. 

The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats fills the room, but the moment I step inside, his voice cuts through the air like a blade.

"You're an idiot."

I freeze, nearly dropping the tray. "What?"

He's seated at his desk, his back to me, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. Slowly, he turns, his cold eyes locking onto mine. 

"All you had to do was take the back entrance or slip into the house without falling. Was that too much for you to do?"

I blink, setting the tray down on the table with a little more force than necessary. "I didn't mean to fall. And how was I supposed to know you were expecting me to take another route?"

He leans back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "I could sense your presence before I even saw you. I assumed you'd have the sense to avoid him."

I frown, crossing my arms over my chest. "Is that why you told him I wasn't here? Because you thought I'd know to avoid him?"

He raises an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "Wasn't that supposed to be a plan?"

I open my mouth to argue, but then stop. He's not entirely wrong. I had been avoiding anyone from my former pack, or at least the idea of them finding me here.

But now that Theo's here, in the flesh, it's harder to ignore the past. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, and calmly lay out his breakfast in front of him.

"It's good that he's here," I say, my voice quieter now. "There are some things I need to get closure on."

He doesn't respond right away, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studies me. After a moment, he picks up his fork and stabs a piece of fruit. "How long is he staying?"

I shrug, moving to pour him a cup of tea. "As long as it takes to convince me to go back with him, I guess."

He doesn't reply to that, his attention shifting to his food. The silence stretches between us, heavy and uncomfortable.

I finish setting up his breakfast and step back, waiting for him to dismiss me. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, he speaks again.

"I'll be having dinner with my family tonight. You won't be needed until tomorrow."

I nod, though he's not looking at me. "Understood."

He waves a hand dismissively, and I take that as my cue to leave. As I step out of his chambers and into the hallway, I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. 

My mind is racing, thoughts of Theo and Caspian and everything in between swirling together in a chaotic mess.

I need to find him.

It doesn't take long. I spot him in the garden, lying on the grass with his eyes closed. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows over his face. 

For a moment, I just stand there, watching him. He looks so peaceful, so unlike the tense, disheveled man I saw earlier.

Quietly, I walk over and sit down beside him. The grass is cool beneath my hands, and I lean back, letting the warmth of the sun wash over me. 

He doesn't open his eyes right away, but I know he's aware of my presence. There's a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"It's beautiful here," he says finally, his voice soft.

I glance at him, surprised by the calmness in his tone. "It is."

He opens his eyes then, turning his head to look at me. There's something in his gaze that I can't quite place—something that makes my chest tighten. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.

I swallow, looking away. "I didn't think you'd come looking for me."

He sits up, brushing a hand through his hair. "I had to. When you didn't come back that night... I thought something had happened to you. And then when my father refused to send anyone after you..." He trails off, his jaw tightening. "I couldn't just let it go."

I nod, my fingers tracing patterns in the grass. "I know. And I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry."

He lets out a short laugh, though there's no humor in it. "You don't have to apologize. I'm just glad you're safe."

I glance at him again, my heart aching at the sincerity in his voice. "Theo..."

He shakes his head, cutting me off. "Don't. Not yet. I just... I need to know that you're okay. That this is what you want."

The way he says it makes me rethink the choice I made when Caspian gave me an option. I mean, Cassidy is here and I'm never made to feel any less of a person here.

But is it what I want? Cassidy would get mated someday and will be more focused on a family than me. Caspian would take over the throne and get mated soon, too. Would he keep me as his wait on maid?

If he does, is that something I want to do? For the rest of my life? Am I allowed ambition, too?

"I don't know," I admit finally. "But I think... I think I need to figure that out."

He nods, his expression softening. "Take your time. I'm not going anywhere until you've made up your mind."

I smile faintly, though it doesn't quite reach my eyes. "Thank you."

We sit in silence for a while, the sounds of the garden filling the space between us. Birds chirp in the trees, and the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze is almost soothing. 

The silence between us is comforting. It's like old times when we'd both be locked away in his room when his father isn't around.

Just us, cousins. Away from the eyes of the pack. Those times, he'd randomly ask what's going on in my head...or who I think my mate wouldn't be.

Those were the only times I looked forward to back there. 

And this very calm moment brings back the nostalgia of those days.

But it doesn't last.

"What's he like?" Theo asks suddenly, his voice breaking the quiet.

I glance at him, confused. "Who?"

"The prince. Caspian."

I hesitate, unsure of how to answer. "He's... complicated."

He raises an eyebrow. "Complicated how?"

I sigh, leaning back on my hands. "He's not what I expected. He's cold, sure, but there are moments when he's almost... human. Like he actually cares, even if he doesn't want to admit it."

He frowns, his gaze narrowing. "Do you trust him?"

I pause, considering the question. "I don't know. Maybe. In some ways."

He doesn't respond right away .Finally, he nods, though I can tell he's not entirely satisfied with my answer. "Just... be careful, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt."

I smile faintly, though it feels forced. "I'll be fine."

He doesn't look convinced, but he doesn't push it. Instead, he leans back on the grass, closing his eyes again. "It's beautiful here," he repeats, his voice soft.

I look at him, my chest tightening. "Yeah. It is."