The garden beyond the library was quiet. Dappled sunlight filtered through swaying leaves, dancing across the stone path like golden confetti. A breeze stirred the air, carrying the scent of jasmine and sun-warmed citrus.
Seraya walked beside Lex—the audaciously brace guard—his hand resting lightly at the small of her back. He wasn't pushy about it, but it still made her skin prickle in ways she didn't want to admit.
"I told you, I'm perfectly fine," she said, limping slightly on her sore leg.
"And I told you," he countered smoothly, "you're a terrible liar."
She shot him a glare, but it lacked any real bite.
They reached a low table surrounded by overstuffed cushions beneath a flowering trellis. The space was empty, secluded, and absurdly comfortable. Lex sank onto one cushion with practiced ease, reclining like he'd been born to luxury. Seraya lowered herself much more carefully, adjusting her skirts as she sat.
"Well," he said, folding his arms behind his head, "I have to say… for someone trying so hard to go unnoticed, you make quite an impression."
She scoffed. "Says the man who snuck up on me in a library and whispered in my ear like some kind of deviant."
"Deviant?" His grin was all wolfish delight. "I prefer charming."
She snorted and leaned back, letting her head rest against the warm stone wall behind them. "You're definitely something."
He tilted his head to look at her. "So… tell me. Why all the running? From the king, I mean."
Seraya stiffened. Her fingers tugged at the edge of the cushion beneath her.
"Why do you care?"
"Maybe I'm curious." His tone was light, but his eyes never left her. "Maybe I like trying to figure people out. And you… you're not like the others."
She studied him, unsure of what game he was playing. "You don't seem to like the king very much."
"I didn't say that." A sly smile. "But I do like hearing what you think of him."
She hesitated. This was a trap. It had to be. And yet… the way he was watching her, not with expectation but with something close to amusement… no judgment, just interest.
She let out a slow breath. "Fine. You want honesty?"
He raised an eyebrow. "It's my favorite language."
Seraya leaned in just slightly, lowering her voice. "I think he's a tyrant. I think he's terrifying. I think the way everyone fawns over him is pathetic, and if he expects me to be one of those women throwing myself at his feet, he's in for a disappointment."
There was a pause. A long one.
And then Lex laughed—full, rich, delighted.
"Well," he said between chuckles, "I certainly wasn't expecting that. You're either very brave, or very stupid."
"Probably both."
He grinned. "Definitely both."
But there was no cruelty in it. Just… admiration.
Seraya found herself smiling despite herself. "I'm serious. I hate it here. The fakeness. The rules. The looks. Everyone waiting to be chosen like a prize on a shelf."
"Then what are you doing here?"
She looked away. "Ask the king. He's the one who dragged me from my home."
There was something unreadable in Lex's expression then. His gaze darkened just a touch, and he looked off into the garden.
"He has a reputation for collecting beautiful things," Lex said quietly. "Doesn't always ask permission first."
Seraya flinched, caught off guard by the note of sympathy in his voice.
They were quiet for a moment.
Then Lex stood, brushing imaginary dust from his trousers. "You know… I rather like this garden. Think I'll start coming here more often."
Seraya frowned. "You should find your own place."
He smirked down at her. "Hmm. Tempting. But I don't think I will. Not if you'll be back tomorrow."
"I didn't say I would."
He offered her his hand. "No, but you didn't say you wouldn't."
She took it reluctantly, letting him help her to her feet.
"I'll think about it," she said, already turning away.
"Think faster," he called after her. "I'm a terrible waiter."
She bit her lip to keep from smiling. She didn't look back.
But for the first time since arriving at the palace, she didn't feel completely alone.