"Lia?"
Lia suddenly snapped out of her memories.
Her crimson eyes blinked once before slowly turning toward Aether. A complicated expression lingered across her beautiful face, faintly hidden beneath her usual composure.
Aether noticed it immediately.
The playful atmosphere from earlier quietly faded as silence settled between them. He could almost feel invisible thoughts moving behind her eyes.
Maybe he had pushed too far.
Maybe the topic touched wounds she still refused to open.
Aether didn't force her.
Instead, he simply smiled faintly and leaned back against the couch. He had more than enough time. There was no need to tear open her heart before she was ready.
And if things truly became complicated... he could always ask her mother directly.
Mary.
"Anyway," Aether said casually, breaking the silence before it became too heavy, "since the deal's done, you should start sending your soldiers to my Empires."
