As Kael stared at Seraphina's sleeping form, something shifted in him. A strange softness stirred beneath his carefully built walls.
Without overthinking, he moved closer, slipped one arm beneath her legs and the other behind her back. She didn't stir as he lifted her into his arms—light as a feather, yet somehow weighing on his chest in a way he couldn't explain.
Her head rested gently against his shoulder, breath warm near his neck.
He walked slowly, carefully, down the quiet hallway to her room. The castle lights had dimmed, painting golden streaks along the marble floors. Each step echoed softly, his thoughts louder than his footsteps.
Once inside, he lay her down gently on the bed, tucking the blanket over her. She curled slightly in her sleep, a small sigh escaping her lips.
Kael lingered for a heartbeat too long.
Then turned to leave.
But as he stepped into the hallway, he froze.
Lord Thorn, his adviser, leaned casually against the wall with arms crossed and a knowing smirk on his face.
"A gentleman," Thorn drawled, "should always ask for a lady's permission before stealing a kiss."
Kael's eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush touched his cheeks. He turned his face away, trying to act unaffected.
"It wasn't a kiss," he muttered. "Just… an owner giving a peck to his squirrel pet."
"Oh, I see," Thorne replied, the smirk deepening. "What a very affectionate owner."
Kael shot him a glare, but Thorn merely chuckled, turning to stroll away.
Kael stood there for a moment longer, flustered—and confused.
Because deep down, he knew it wasn't just a peck.
And Seraphina was never just a pet.