– Amara's POV
I opened the door to my chamber.
He was still there.
Chris stood near the window, back turned, his royal robe draped lazily over the chair. The air was heavy—silent—but not cold.
He didn't speak. He was waiting for me.
I walked in, closed the door, locked it.
"I thought you'd be gone," I said.
He turned slowly. "I meant what I said."
I crossed my arms. "Which part? The kneeling or the lying?"
"I never lied to you, Amara."
I moved closer, stopping just a few steps from him. "You didn't tell me about Rheina. You visited her behind my back. That's enough betrayal in my world."
His jaw clenched, but his voice stayed soft. "She's no threat. I needed closure, not connection."
I stared at him.
Then: "Why are you still here, Chris?"
"Because I'd rather sleep on the floor of your chamber than in the comfort of a palace where you're angry with me."
I looked at him for a long moment.
"Then sleep on the floor," I said flatly, turning away.
His silence was long.
But he stayed.
And I didn't send him out.