Ryu's eyes darted between his parents, his expression a mixture of gratitude and urgency. "Thank you,Haha ue,Chichi ue," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency. "But right now, there is something I must attend to."
Lady Clara's brow furrowed slightly, her concern growing. "Ryu, what is it? Is something wrong?"
Ryu's grip on Ella's hand tightened as he glanced between his parents. "Ella and I have something important to discuss. It cannot wait any longer."
Lord Kaito exchanged a knowing glance with Lady Clara, his eyes filled with understanding. "Very well, Ryu," he said, his voice steady. "We will give you the time you need. But remember, we are here for you, always."
Ryu nodded distractedly, and gently tugged on Ella's hand, urging her to follow him.
“Come with me,” he said, running his thumb over her hand. “Please.”
Ella's heart quickened as she nodded. They walked briskly through the corridors, their footsteps echoing through the grand halls of the Twilight Court.
Ella stole glances at Ryu, his expression a mixture of resolve and anticipation. Where was he taking her? And what did he want to tell her?
If he was finally going to admit that he had been wrong about Princess Nitya, she would enjoy crowing in his face about how she had been right and he had been wrong. Ella smirked.
The stepped into the garden, moving fast now, and Ryu pulled her into a quiet corner that abutted the enchanted forest outside the main house.
As they stepped into a quiet clearing, the sounds of the bustling court faded away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant songs of birds.
The air felt alive with magic, as if the enchantment of the Twilight Court extended even to this remote corner of the gardens.
Ryu stopped before thekoipond, turning to face her.
"Ella,” he said, squeezing her hand in his, “I apologize for doubting you," he said softly. "I should have seen the princess for the saboteur that she was."
Despite herself, Ella couldn’t find it in her to rub his failure in his face. She shrugged. "Yes, well, I’m just glad my plan worked.” She pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, affecting an indifference she didn’t feel. “Besides, I couldn’t let Lady Clara come to harm. Or Mizuki and Hiroshi."
Ryu stepped closer, and she started in surprise.
“Ella,” he said urgently, even as her heart started to pound, “I must—”
“Well, well, what have we here?”
.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Kenji, Ryu's cousin emerged from the shadows, his eyes filled with malice and disdain.
“Kenji, what are you—”
That was as far as Ryu got before Kenji raised his hand and unleashed his magic.
Ryu's heart raced in his chest as he watched in horror as Kenji’s magic struck Ella, binding her in an invisible vice.
The bond worked against him, choking off his breath as he was bound by the magic that held Ella captive, unable to summon his magic to free himself.
“Kenji! Why are you doing this?”
Kenji ignored him to walk around Ella, smiling nastily.
The air crackled with malevolence, and fear coursed through Ryu's veins like molten fire. He had to protect Ella, no matter the cost.
"You thought you could escape my grasp, Ryu," Kenji sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "But I've always known the truth. You, with your human blood, are not fit to lead the Twilight Court. It is I who should be the rightful ruler."
Ryu's heart sank as he recognized the truth behind Kenji's actions, the extent of his betrayal. He had been working hand in hand with Princess Nitya, driven by his prejudice against Ryu's human heritage and his ambition to seize the throne for himself.
