Lior stared at Daemar for a long while, carefully weighing the pros and cons of the proposal the prince had just made. His fingers twitched restlessly as he played with them, betraying his inner turmoil. After a few seconds passed, he finally lifted his gaze from his hands and fixed his eyes back on Daemar. With a quiet but pointed tone, he asked,
"Isn't the same supposed to apply to you? Haven't we already kissed before? Why would you want this… again?"
Daemar's lips curved slightly, though his eyes carried a glint of authority that made the air feel heavy.
"Isn't this supposed to show you how generous I am?" he said, his voice low and measured, every word deliberate. "I am using what you call a measly proposal to grant you something of great value. And still, you hesitate. It almost makes me wonder if you intend to go against a royal, against your commander, no less…"
