Just then, the grand archway of the palace loomed before them. Kyllian pulled the car to a slow, deliberate stop, letting the engine purr to silence as if giving space for his thoughts to settle.
He turned to her. "Because…" he paused, swallowing, "because I always had a thing for you, Princess."
Luna's lips parted slightly. She looked at him, really looked. His eyes were earnest, no longer teasing. Vulnerable in a way she hadn't expected from someone like him.
"I… I didn't know. I mean Talon mentioned it but I thought he was merely joking." she said finally.
He gave a short, dry laugh, looking away. "Talon talks too much. It's okay, Princess. But it's nice to know you're warming up to me."
"Kyllian…" she started again.
"Forget it, Luna," he cut in gently, already unbuckling his seatbelt. She placed a hand on his arm.
