As Heena was about to show Larus the gift she'd prepared, he suddenly spoke up, his voice lower than usual but somehow firmer, more resolute.
"Your Majesty, may I make a wish?"
Heena paused, an intrigued expression crossing her face. She tilted her head slightly, studying him with genuine curiosity.
"Of course," she said. "What is it?"
Larus met her eyes directly, and there was something in his gaze—determination mixed with vulnerability, confidence mixed with hope.
"Your Majesty, I want this gift to be given to me in the throne room. In front of all the nobles. In front of the entire court."
Heena raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request. "Are you sure? It might be something completely useless, you know. I haven't exactly told you what it is."
Larus smiled—a soft, genuine expression that made her heart do that annoying flip again. He shook his head slowly.
"No matter how useless it might be, if it's given by you, it would be the most important thing in the world to me."
