Sheila could tell Kian still wasn't convinced. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his arms crossed, radiating disapproval.
Her eyes darted to the man beside him. Asael.
The second their gazes met, realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.
Oh no.
Sheila's lips curled into a knowing smile. "If you're worried about us going alone, why not let Asael come with us?"
Asael stiffened. No. Absolutely not.
The room was silent for a second before Kian hummed in thought. "I think I can allow that."
Asael felt his soul leave his body.
Betrayal.
His own king—his supposed best friend—had just thrown him to the wolves. Or rather, to the menace that was Isabella.
"Um, Your Majesty," Asael started carefully, "I can find a more suitable—"
"I trust you the most." Kian cut him off without a second thought, eyes already shifting away.
Asael wanted to cry. "Your Majesty—"
Kian flicked him a side glance.
Asael swallowed the rest of his words and let out a long, defeated sigh.
