"Try it," Zayden said, his voice tender.
"W-What?" Ren stammered, startled.
He had not expected Zayden to be serious—least of all to ask him to call him by his name right here, in the middle of the forest.
He really meant it?!
He agreed on an impulse. The thought of being able to break rules stirred something within him but now… He didn't know anymore. Still, it would be a lie if he said he wasn't tempted. It would be a first experience for him.
Calling a nobleman by his name.
Zayden stepped just a little closer, lowering his tone so only Ren could hear—as if the tall trees surrounding them might eavesdrop if he spoke any louder.
"I want you to call me… Zayden. Just me. No titles, no respect weighing you down. I don't care about rank, birth, or anything else. And you know that, right? I just want you, speaking to me as equals—as friends."
