Kaive felt a tight knot in his chest. He couldn't allow this. If he revealed to Prince Jabiaz that Olessia was his connect, there was no way Jabiaz would stop pursuing her. But the timing wasn't right.
He needed to tell Olessia on his own terms, when he could control the moment. He couldn't risk showing her the side of him he wasn't proud of. How would she react if she saw that part of him? Fear, doubt… or worse, would she choose Jabiaz over him?
He met Prince Jabiaz's gaze, his expression unreadable, a stern mask hiding the storm beneath.
"I do not have your time, Prince Jabiaz," Kaive said sharply. He set his glass down with a solid thud, the sound echoing in the hall. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left, his movements decisive.
The hall buzzed with life around him... music thumped, couples danced, laughter and chatter spilling into the corners... but none of it touched him.
