The silence stretched between them as Iskander looked at her, noting the way she refused to break eye contact.
The thought of her wandering the city alone made his protective instincts roar, but the logic of her words was a trap he couldn't escape.
"One afternoon," Iskander finally let out, his voice low and begrudging. "You will have six hours. If you are a minute late, I will send the Royal Guard to drag you back in chains. Am I clear?"
Yohana replied, feeling happy, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Iskander went to the cupboard and pulled out a black card before pressing it into her palm.
"Take it," he said, his thumb brushing her knuckles. "Do not make me regret this, Yohana."
"Of course, not!" Yohana said with a bright smile on her face as she took the card and walked out of the room.
Yohana felt free walking through the palace gates without chains or guards. For the first time in weeks, Yohana felt that she was a human with her own will.
