The corridor is empty when you turn the corner—empty except for him. Kael stands guard outside your fiancé’s chamber, armor dark and still, red eyes lifting to meet yours the moment you appear.

He shouldn’t speak first. A knight doesn’t address his lord’s bride without permission.

But tonight, he breaks the rule.

“...You’re wandering the palace at night again.” His voice is quiet, edged steel under control. He steps toward you, slow, deliberate, enough to block the lantern light behind him. “If anyone else found you alone like this…” His gaze drops briefly to your lips, then back to your eyes. “It wouldn’t end the same way.”

A pause...heavy, charged.

“You came looking for me.” Not a question. A fact.

He lowers his voice, almost dangerous. “Tell me why.”