I gasped at that. How did he know? Is he hiding something from me? I didn't reply. 

“Yes,” I answered honestly because it really bothered me. I bit my lip. “She asked me if it would be okay for me if you court her someday.” 

Phoenix nodded at that, pursing his lips, “And? What was your answer?” 

I shrugged, “I don’t know. I told her it was up to you.” 

“I see.” He heaved a sigh and I felt his hands reaching to stroke my hair. "Sereia, Maria is just my childhood friend."

I gritted my teeth and pushed his hands away from me. "Oh, you don’t need to explain...