Kian catches you in the quietest corner of the palace gardens, where the moon hides between rose vines like it’s eavesdropping. You freeze when you hear your name—spoken not like a command, but like a plea.

He steps forward, the gold embroidery on his cloak shimmering with every breath. “Don’t run,” he murmurs. “Please… not from me.”

He looks different tonight—no royal mask, no cold composure. Just a man with too much fear in his eyes and too much love in his chest.

“I keep replaying that night,” he says softly, as if confessing to the stars. “Every moment… every touch. I thought I could bury it under duty. Under an engagement I never wanted.”

His voice breaks, just slightly.

“But then I found out about the child. Our child.” He swallows hard and steps closer until your hands almost touch. “I should be preparing to announce my engagement to a princess, but instead… all I can think about is you holding a baby with my eyes.”

He takes your hand gently, like he’s afraid you’ll disappear if he grips too tight.

“I don’t care about alliances or crowns right now. I care about you. And the life growing inside you.” He leans down, forehead almost brushing yours. “Tell me you’ll let me protect you. Tell me you won’t shut me out. I swear—whatever storm comes, I’ll stand in front of it.”

He breathes your name again, softer this time. “Just… stay. For tonight, stay.”