"He came to the lake under a white flag of truce," Cassian explained, watching her reaction carefully. "He formally requested your immediate release."
Lin Wan's expression grew complex, a mix of overwhelming emotions swirling in her dark eyes. "And what happened?"
"I refused his request," Cassian answered plainly.
Lin Wan gave a slow, understanding nod of her head. "I fully expected you would."
Cassian continued, his deep voice calm and deliberate. "However... our conversation was not at all what I had anticipated it to be."
She finally lifted her head, looking directly into his golden eyes. "What do you mean?"
"He did not demand an immediate war," Cassian stated clearly. "He did not utter a single threat against my kingdom."
"He only asked that after the children are safely born into this world..."
"You be permitted to choose your own future."
Lin Wan's dark eyes widened in sheer shock, her breath catching in her throat. "He... he truly said that to you?"
