"But Your Majesty, I do not deserve to have such a token," Adeline said, politely declining to reach for it. "I believe it is too heavy a burden for me to carry, given the immense authority and meaning it holds."
"Do not undermine yourself, dear," Huxley replied warmly. "If I am choosing to give this to you, it is because I have seen qualities in you that merit such trust."
Realizing she could not refuse him a second time, Adeline carefully lifted the token from the table with both hands.
"I will make good use of it, Your Majesty," she whispered, holding the secure weight of the token close to her chest.
Huxley smiled warmly. "So, how are things going between the two of you? You were supposed to be on a trip, yet you returned so suddenly. Once all of this is sorted out, I will arrange a much better getaway for you both."
