Lucavion's silence held for a beat longer than comfort would allow.
Then his lips curled—not wide, not mocking, but with a composed mirth that shimmered just beneath the surface of his control. A smile of acknowledgment. Of calculation.
"You're rather direct," he said, voice smooth but edged with a note of bemusement. "I didn't expect that wording."
He leaned back slightly, eyes not leaving hers.
"But… your words were clear. As I asked." He gave a small nod, more to himself than to her. "I suppose that is true."
Selienne remained still, the air around her pulsing with quiet authority. She didn't answer. Didn't explain. She simply allowed the moment to breathe—as if her demand required no defense.
But Lucavion wasn't finished.
He turned his body a fraction, one elbow resting lazily along the armrest while his fingers steepled together before him.
Then he looked into her eyes. Fully. Unflinching.
"Why should I choose to be under you, Your Highness?"
