LUCIEN’S POV

The King had been staring at me for the past five minutes.

He wasn’t even hiding it or pretending.

Just full-on, assessing, quiet observation like he was waiting for me to crack.

I stood at attention in front of his desk, hands clasped behind my back, spine straight, jaw tight. The office smelled faintly of Jasmine. The tall windows let in pale afternoon light, but it did nothing to ease the pressure building in my chest.

Maximus finally leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled, eyes never leaving my face.

I sighed.

Slow. Controlled. Tired.

“Is there something you want, Your Majesty?” I asked.

One brow lifted.

“There...