She knew the exact moment Prince Zen seemed to understand what it was she was asking for. The shift in his eyes gave him away—sharp, assessing, as if weighing her desperation in silence. But even as their gazes locked, she knew he wouldn't give in. Whatever she wanted, he wouldn't do it. He wouldn't make it easy for her.
Which meant she would have to beg them herself.
Her throat tightened at the thought. Emira turned slightly, her eyes moving between the two men. She was about to step toward Prince Zen, ready to swallow the last of her pride, when Prince Kael moved. He stepped directly into her path, blocking her vision completely.
Startled, she froze, tilting her head back to look up at him. The words she had been about to say scattered from her mind the moment she saw his face.
Anger. It burned there, dark and sharp, like he was barely holding something back.
"I—" she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
But he didn't give her the chance to finish.
