Hearing their hushed exchange, Caelith's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
Rhaegar Thorne—so feared throughout the capital, a man whose name alone could chill the hearts of many—yet behind that cold, impenetrable façade, he had quietly sent medicine to save a dying mother.
Such contradictions stirred something deep within her.
A man who appeared merciless, yet acted with hidden compassion… a man who stood like iron before the world, yet softened in silence—for her sake.
For it was because that thief hailed from Dolly's homeland that he had shown restraint.
Because of her.
That realization sent an unfamiliar tremor through her heart—subtle, yet impossible to ignore.
He was the terror of the capital… and yet, he was also the man who stood at her side, shielding her from harm.
And that made him all the more real.
All the more… irresistible.
The door creaked softly as Dolly entered, catching sight of the faint smile lingering at the corner of her mistress's lips.
