The silence between them lingered longer than it should have. Seraphina stood, heart still fluttering from the accidental closeness, but Prince Kael's eyes had already turned sharp again—like he was reading every layer of her soul.
He took a step toward her.
"I've made a decision," he said.
Seraphina's eyes narrowed. "And what decision is that, Your Highness?"
"You're not going back," he said calmly. "From today onward, you'll stay at the palace."
Her breath caught. "What?"
"You're far too useful to be left wandering the streets," Kael went on, stepping past her to pull a scroll from the desk. "You'll serve under me—as my court aide and official poison tester."
"Poison tester?" she repeated, her voice quiet with disbelief.
"Yes," he said. "You spotted something even my best physicians missed. I want those eyes near me at all times."
She crossed her arms. "And the court aide part?"
Kael smirked. "Do you truly think I trust anyone else to organize my chambers, handle documents, and deal with the idiocy of nobles? You'll be my right hand."
She stared at him. "So I'll taste your food and fetch your ink?"
"And keep your sword nearby," he added, eyeing her with something close to admiration. "You're good with a blade. I won't need to assign a knight to protect you—or me."
Seraphina didn't answer right away. Her thoughts were spinning. She'd come here looking for answers about the stolen poison, and now she was being tied to the man she had once watched die.
Kael watched her with an unreadable expression. "Stay, Seraphina Vale. Not just as my aide. But as someone I trust."
Her chest tightened. That word—trust. It felt too sharp. Too dangerous. Especially from a prince.
But Seraphina only lifted her chin. "And if I say no?"
He stepped closer, his voice dipping low. "Then I'll have to ask again tomorrow. And the day after. Until you say yes."
She met his gaze. "You're persistent."
"And you're intriguing," he said softly.
Silence fell again.
Then Seraphina sighed. "Fine. I'll stay."
Kael smiled—not a cold smirk this time, but something softer. "Good. Then welcome to the palace, Lady Seraphina."