"I don't want him."
The words left her lips too quickly. Too sharply.
Aeliana kept her expression still, but inside—her heart was slamming against her ribs, fast and unsteady.
She wasn't lying.
Was she?
Her father studied her for a moment, his golden eyes flickering with something unreadable. Then, as if deciding there was nothing more to say, he leaned back in his chair.
"Very well," he said simply. "I will see to it that he is compensated for his efforts. If nothing else, he has done a service for our family. I will ensure that he is well-rewarded, and that he does not interfere with your future any further—"
Aeliana's breath caught.
Wait.
What?
He continued, speaking as if the matter was already settled. "I will see to it that he has no reason to trouble you again. There is no need for you to concern yourself with—"
"No!"
The word slipped out before she could stop it.
Her father raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-sentence.
