Chapter 422: Daphne
I do not know why the prince is looking so scared. I am not going to eat him or anything.
"I could invite you in, Your Highness, but..." I pause. "I do not want to."
I really do not. The thought of my family's sacred space being contaminated with the presence of others makes me uncomfortable. This cabin is ours. Mine. Lorelei's. Alira's. No one else's footprints belong on its floors.
I walk further out and sit on the deck. The wood is warm beneath me. Alira babbles, grabbing at my hair. I let her.
The prince remains standing.
"Will you keep standing there?" I ask, rubbing Alira's hair. She coos.
The prince hesitates. Then he cautiously takes a seat next to me—far enough to be respectful, close enough to be present.
He looks at Alira, who looks at him curiously. Her tiny hand reaches toward his face, waving at him.
"She is beautiful," he says.
"I know."
"She looks like you."
"As she should. She is my daughter, after all."
