For a moment I continued staring at Ophelia, wondering what exactly had passed through her eyes just now. The expression had been brief, gone almost as soon as I noticed it.
When she realized I was looking, her gentle smile returned immediately, soft and harmless, the kind that made it difficult to accuse her of anything.
Perhaps I imagined it.
Nero spoke quietly in my mind.
[Host, you absolutely did not imagine it.]
I exhaled softly but said nothing. There were more immediate matters demanding my attention.
Movement in front of me caught my eye. Darien Reed suddenly stepped forward from the group of guards. Before anyone could react, he lowered himself to one knee.
The courtyard fell silent.
His head bowed respectfully, the earlier stubborn pride completely gone from his posture.
"Your Highness, I sincerely apologize for my arrogance earlier."
His voice was steady now, firm and clear.
