The Day a King Chose His Queens
For a moment, the king disappeared.
The man remained.
"I won't," he said.
Outside, sunlight climbed higher, pouring through the tall dining hall windows in golden sheets. Warm light spilled across the long table, catching on polished silverware and crystal glasses. It softened the hard edges of the room—and the sharper lines of Leon's face.
But his eyes were different now.
No longer distant.
No longer watching the world like a battlefield waiting to ignite.
His gaze had turned inward.
Then he looked up at them—truly looked this time.
Not like a ruler studying advisors.
Not like a commander measuring soldiers.
Like a man searching the faces of people he trusted.
Rias noticed the shift first.
Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity stirring. A strand of her long red hair slipped forward as she tilted her head.
Leon drew in a slow breath.
"I decided something," he said quietly. "Can I tell you?"
Several brows rose at once.
