The question lingered in her mind longer than she'd like to admit.
Did she want to stay?
Staying meant everything would change, not just for her but for Kaden too. The small, peaceful life they had carved out in Ougena would be gone.
The simple routines like holding Kaden's hand on the walk to preschool, picking out groceries for dinner, sharing quiet weekends with cartoons and laughter. All of that would be replaced by a world of danger and power struggles she didn't fully understand.
Czar's words from last night echoed in her head.
"I want you and Kaden to stay. Here. With me. Do you?"
On the balcony she'd stood frozen for a long moment, her eyes flicking from the imposing view of the Romano estate to the man in front of her. Czar's face was as unreadable as ever, his posture straight, his eyes sharp.
