"To be honest, my lord… I am not ready."
The admission hung in the air between them. She looked down at the path, her expression conflicted, as if the truth had cost her something to say. Then, almost as an afterthought, she quickly murmured under her breath:
"It's not like I like anyone else. I like you."
The moment the words left her mouth, Elara's entire body stiffened. Her eyes flew wide in pure horror as she realized exactly what she had just said. She literally jumped a small step back, her hands flying up to cover her mouth as a deep, vivid flush exploded all over her face.
"I— I didn't mean—!" she stammered, her voice cracking with panic. "That is… I only meant that I don't dislike you! Or that I respect you! Not that I—!"
She trailed off, completely flustered. Her ears had turned nearly as pink as her gown.
Julian stopped walking as well.
