“Apologize, please,” Ivan said, reclining in his chair as he pressed a boiled egg to the bruise near his eye.
Seated across from him, Liliette cast her gaze downward, mumbling, “I think I’ve apologized at least twenty times…”
“Then make it twenty-one,” Ivan replied dryly. “Since the true culprit won’t apologize, I’ll just have to accept yours on their behalf.”
“On their behalf?” Liliette blinked, puzzled.
Ivan sighed, his irritation clear. “You have an impressive imagination, my lady. How could you even think I might be involved in such… a situation with him?”
Despite his annoyance, Liliette couldn’t resist teasing him. “Well… his looks shouldn’t upset you so much.”
“His appearance is not the issue here,” Ivan muttered, exasperated. He waved his hand dismissively at Liliette’s feigned innocence. “Yes, he’s quite the sight, but it’s like the gods drained every ounce of joy from him and left only his beauty while sculpting him.”
