Evelyn stood before him in the ravishing gown he had personally chosen for her, looking far more breathtaking than he had even imagined. His eyes travelled over her slowly, almost hungrily, taking in every detail of her alluring form as he swallowed hard.
As his gaze finally lifted back to her beautiful face, his frown deepened. Beads of sweat clung to her forehead, and her breathing was uneven, far too harsh, as though she had run all the way here.
"Princess Evelyn," Valen said, stepping slightly closer, his brows knitting together, "I've been waiting for you. What took you so long? I was about to fetch you myself when you didn't show up."
Concern tinged his voice, even though beneath it lingered something darker. He couldn't help but wonder what had happened before she arrived.
Instead of offering a snide remark or her usual sharp-tongued retort, she met his eyes and gave him a small, composed smile. "My apologies, Your Highness, for keeping you waiting so long."
