Hailee's POV
I lifted the receiver slowly. "Hello?"
For a second, there was silence, only the faint crackle of the line. Then, a familiar deep voice came through.
"Hailee."
My heart skipped. I knew that voice. "Nathan?" I breathed.
A soft chuckle rumbled through the line. "I see you still recognize me."
My grip tightened on the receiver. "How did you even get this number? This is the royal mansion's private line."
"I have my ways," he said smoothly, his tone calm but teasing.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "You really shouldn't be calling here, Nathan. It's late."
"I know," he said. "But I wouldn't have called unless it was important."
I hesitated, leaning back against the headboard. "What is it?"
He was quiet for a moment before speaking again. "I wanted to ask a favor."
I let out a small, tired laugh. "A favor? After everything, that's the first thing you say to me?"
"Please, just hear me out," he said softly, his voice low and pleading.
